[Frontispiece: ODYSSEUS AS A YOUTH AT HOME WITH HIS MOTHER]

ODYSSEUSTHE HERO OF ITHACA

ADAPTED FROM THE THIRD BOOK OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF ATHENS, GREECE

BY

MARY E. BURT

_Author of "Literary Landmarks, " "Stories from Plato, " "Story of theGerman Iliad, " "The Child-Life Reading Study"; Editor of "LittleNature Studies"; Teacher in the John A. Browning School, New YorkCity_

AND

ZENAÏDE A. RAGOZIN

_Author of "The Story of Chaldea, " "The Story of Assyria, " "The Storyof Media, Babylon, and Persia, " "The Story of Vedic India"; Memberof the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, of theAmerican Oriental Society, of the Société Ethnologique of Paris, etc. _

CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONSNEW YORK CHICAGO BOSTON

COPYRIGHT, 1898, BYCHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS

Printed in the United States of America

 To THE TEACHER WHOSE INTEGRITY AND PEDAGOGICAL SPIRIT HAVE CREATED A SCHOOL WHEREIN THE IDEAL MAY PROVE ITSELF THE PRACTICAL AND THOSE ENTHUSIASTIC PUPILS WHO LOVE THE LOYALTY AND BRAVERY OF ODYSSEUS THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED

CONTENTS

 PAGEINTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Xiii

PART IAN INTRODUCTION TO THE LIFE OF THE HERO, ODYSSEUS

CHAPTER PAGE I. About Troy and the Journey of Paris to Greece . . . . . 3

 II. The Flight of Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

 III. The Greeks Sail for Troy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

 IV. The Fall of Troy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

PART IITHE RETURN OF ODYSSEUS TO HIS OWN COUNTRY

CHAPTER PAGE V. Odysseus on the Island of Calypso . . . . . . . . . . . 21

 VI. Odysseus Constructs a Raft and Leaves the Island . . . 25

 VII. Odysseus is Saved on the Island of Scheria . . . . . . 29

 VIII. Nausicaä is Sent to the River by Athena . . . . . . . . 31

 IX. Odysseus Arrives at the Palace of Alkinoös . . . . . . 38

 X. Odysseus in the Halls of Alkinoös . . . . . . . . . . . 42

 XI. The Banquet in Honor of Odysseus . . . . . . . . . . . 47

 XII. Odysseus Relates His Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

 XIII. The Lotus-Eaters and the Cyclops . . . . . . . . . . . 57

 XIV. The Cave of the Cyclops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

 XV. The Blinding of the Cyclops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

 XVI. Odysseus and His Companions Leave the Land of the Cyclops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

 XVII. The Adventures of Odysseus on the Island of Æolus . . . 72

 XVIII. Odysseus at the Home of Circè . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

 XIX. Circè Instructs Odysseus Concerning His Descent to Hades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

 XX. The Adventures of Odysseus in Hades . . . . . . . . . . 84

 XXI. Odysseus Converses with His Mother and Agamemnon . . . 87

 XXII. Conversation with Achilles and Other Heroes . . . . . . 90

 XXIII. The Return of Odysseus to the Island of Circè . . . . . 94

 XXIV. Odysseus Meets the Sirens, Skylla, and Charybdis . . . 98

 XXV. Odysseus on the Island of Hēlios . . . . . . . . . . . 101

 XXVI. The Departure of Odysseus from the Island of Scheria . 105

 XXVII. Odysseus Arrives at Ithaca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

 XXVIII. Odysseus Seeks the Swineherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

PART IIITHE TRIUMPH OF ODYSSEUS

CHAPTER PAGE XXIX. Athena Advises Telemachos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

 XXX. Telemachos Astonishes the Wooers . . . . . . . . . . . 128

 XXXI. Penelope's Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

 XXXII. The Journey of Telemachos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

 XXXIII. Telemachos in Pylos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

 XXXIV. Telemachos in Sparta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

 XXXV. Menelaos Relates His Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

 XXXVI. The Conspiracy of the Suitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

 XXXVII. Telemachos Returns to Ithaca . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

XXXVIII. Telemachos and the Swineherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

 XXXIX. Telemachos Recognizes Odysseus . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

 XL. Telemachos Returns to the Palace . . . . . . . . . . . 165

 XLI. Odysseus is Recognized by His Dog . . . . . . . . . . . 169

 XLII. Odysseus Comes, a Beggar, to His Own House . . . . . . 172

 XLIII. Conversation of Odysseus and Penelope . . . . . . . . . 176

 XLIV. Eurycleia Recognizes Odysseus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

 XLV. Penelope's Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

 XLVI. Athena Encourages Odysseus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

 XLVII. The Last Banquet of the Suitors . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

 XLVIII. Odysseus Bends the Bow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

 XLIX. Death of the Suitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

 L. Eurycleia Announces the Return of Odysseus to Penelope 203

 LI. Odysseus Visits His Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

 Vocabulary and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

ODYSSEUS AS A YOUTH AT HOME WITH HIS MOTHER . . . . . . Frontispiece

 FACING PAGETHE SILVER-FOOTED THETIS RISING FROM THE WAVES . . . . . . . . . 10

ODYSSEUS AND MENELAOS PERSUADING AGAMEMNON TO SACRIFICE IPHIGENEIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

ALPHEUS AND ARETHUSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

THE SWINEHERD TELLING HIS STORY TO ODYSSEUS . . . . . . . . . . 119

ODYSSEUS FEIGNS MADNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

INTRODUCTION

It has long been the opinion of many of the more progressive teachersof the United States that, next to Herakles, Odysseus is the heroclosest to child-life, and that the stories from the "Odyssey" arethe most suitable for reading-lessons. These conclusions have beenreached through independent experiments not related to educationalwork in foreign countries. 

While sojourning in Athens I had the pleasure of visiting the bestschools, both public and private, and found the reading especiallyspirited. I examined the books in use and found the regularreading-books to consist of the classic tales of the country, thestories of Herakles, Theseus, Perseus, and so forth, in the readersucceeding the primer, and the stories of Odysseus, or Ulysses, aswe commonly call him, following as a third book, answering to oursecond or third reader. This book I brought home with me and had acareful, literal translation made. I submitted this translation tothat notable scholar, Zenaïde A. Ragozin, with whom I faithfullytraversed the ground, word by word and sentence by sentence. Thisversion I have carefully compared with Bryant and rewritten, makingthe language as simple as could be consistent with the dignity ofthe subject-matter. 

The introduction to the original book as I found it in Greece containsmany interesting points, since it shows that educators in foreigncountries, notably in Germany, had come to the same conclusion withour best American teachers. The editor of the little Greekreading-book says:

"In editing this work we have made use not only of Homer's 'Odyssey, '_but also of that excellent reader which is used in the public schoolsof Germany_, Willman's 'Lesebuch aus Homer. ' We have divided thelittle volume into three parts, the first of which gives a short_resumé_ of the war against Troy and the destruction of that city, the second the wanderings of Odysseus till his arrival in Ithaca, the third his arrival and the killing of the wooers. We have no apologyto make in presenting this book to the public as a school-book, sincemany people superior to us have shown the need of such books inschool-work. The new public schools, as is well known, have a missionof the highest importance. They do not aim, as formerly, at absoluteknowledge pounded into the heads of children in a mechanical way. Their aim is the mental and ethical development of the pupils. Readingand writing lead but half way to this goal. With all nations thereaders used in the public schools are a collection of the noblestthoughts of their authors. "

The Greek editor had never read the inane rat and cat stories ofAmerican school "readers" when he wrote that. He continues:

"Happily the Greek nation, more than any other, abounds in literarymasterpieces. Nearly all of the Greek writings contain an abundanceof practical wisdom and virtue. Their worth is so great that eventhe most advanced European nations do not hesitate to introduce theminto their schools. The Germans do this, although their habits andcustoms are so different from ours. They especially admire Homer'sworks. These books, above all others, afford pleasure to the young, and the reason for it is clearly set forth by the eminent educatorHerbart:

"'The little boy is grieved when told that he is little. Nor doeshe enjoy the stories of little children. This is because hisimagination reaches out and beyond his environments. I find thestories from Homer to be more suitable reading for young childrenthan the mass of juvenile books, because they contain grand truths. '

"Therefore these stories are held in as high esteem by the Germanchildren as by the Greek. In no other works do children find the grandand noble traits in human life so faithfully and charmingly depictedas in Homer. Here all the domestic, civic, and religious virtues ofthe people are marvellously brought to light and the national feelingis exalted. The Homeric poetry, and especially the 'Odyssey, ' isadapted to very young children, not only because it satisfies so wellthe needs which lead to mental development, but also for anotherreason. As with the people of olden times bravery was considered thegreatest virtue, so with boys of this age and all ages. No otherethical idea has such predominance as that of prowess. Strength ofbody and a firm will characterize those whom boys choose as theirleaders. Hence the pleasure they derive from the accounts ofcelebrated heroes of yore whose bravery, courage, and prudence theyadmire. "

The editor further extols the advantages arising from the study ofHomer, it making the youthful students acquainted with the earliestperiods of Greek history, the manners and customs of the people, andhe ends by quoting from Herbart:

"Boys must first get acquainted with the noisy market-place of Ithacaand then be led to the Athens of Miltiades and Themistokles. "

With equal truth the American can say that the child whose patriotismis kindled by the Homeric fire will the more gladly respond to theideals set forth in the history of a Columbus or a Washington. 

MARY E. BURT. 

PART IAN INTRODUCTION TO THE LIFE OF THE HERO, ODYSSEUS

CHAPTER IABOUT TROY AND THE JOURNEY OF PARIS TO GREECE

On the northern shore of Asia Minor there lies a plateau watered bymany small rivers and surrounded on all sides by mountains, only onthe north it slopes gently to the sea. On this plateau, between theSimois and Scamandros rivers, in the oldest times there stood a veryrich and powerful city, whose name was Troy. It was the capital ofa large and fertile district, known as the Troad. 

There, about 1200 B. C. , reigned a king by the name of Priam, possessedof great power and boundless wealth. He had many sons and daughters. It was said, indeed, that he had fifty sons who were all married andliving in their own homes, which they had built by the king's wisharound the royal palace. 

They were all handsome and heroic young men. One of the youngest, Paris, also named Alexandros, surpassed the others in beauty. He wasa restless youth and not fond of his home, as were the others. Hehad set his heart on travelling and seeing strange countries andcities. King Priam was extremely fond of his large family, and tookpride in having all his children about him, so that at first he wasgreatly opposed to the wishes of Paris. 

But the youth was so persistent and unhappy that the king at lastconsented to let him go. Without delay, Paris called together a fewfriends with tastes as adventurous as his own. They embarked in anew ship well provided with all that travellers need, and set sailfor the famous land on the shores of the Ægean Sea, of which theyhad heard so many wonderful things, and which was called Hellas. 

Nearly in the middle of the plain which forms the southern part ofHellas was the city of Sparta. It was on the river Eurotas, and wasthe capital of a large district called Lacedæmon, and it was to thiscity that Paris came. 

Now, there was a mysterious reason for this strange desire ofParis--his passionate longing to travel. In his early youth, whilehe was still minding his herds on the rich pastures of Mount Ida, he received a visit from the three greatest goddesses of Olympos. 

Hera, the queen of Heaven and consort of Zeus--Athena, the goddessof wisdom, and Zeus's favorite daughter--and Aphrodite, the goddessof love and beauty, had a dispute among themselves. 

Each thought herself the most beautiful of the three, and they wouldhave come to high words about it had not Athena proposed that theyshould ask the handsomest man in the world to settle the question. This happened to be the young royal shepherd, Paris. So the threegoddesses floated down to the slope of Mount Ida on a snowy cloudand placed the question before him, each promising to reward himroyally if he gave his verdict in her favor. 

Paris, as might have been expected, decided in favor of Aphrodite, who had promised him that the fairest woman living in the whole worldshould be his wife. This promise had to be kept, being given by agoddess, but it was the source of endless misfortune, for Paris hada young and lovely wife who was tenderly attached to him, while thefairest of living women--acknowledged as such by fame in all knowncountries--was Queen Helen of Sparta, herself the wife of anotherman. 

Her husband was one of the most renowned heroes of Hellas, KingMenelaos, a son of Atreus and brother of the leader of the Greek chiefs, Agamemnon, King of Mycenæ. It was Aphrodite, then, who inspired Pariswith an insane desire to forsake his parents, brothers, and wife. It was her secret guidance which led him across the seas and throughthe dangers lurking among the hundreds of islands of the Archipelagosstraight to the land of Lacedæmon. This is the central of the threepeninsulas in which the Peloponnesus ends, and might be called themiddle finger of that large hand of which Arcadia is the palm. 

Paris landed, with all his companions, on the shores of Lacedæmon, where the people received him kindly and helped him on his journeyto Sparta, where Menelaos and Helen gave him a cordial welcome. 

CHAPTER IITHE FLIGHT OF HELEN

Aphrodite, while leading Paris to the shores of Lacedæmon, had notforgotten her promise, and in Sparta itself she was at work at itsfulfilment. She inspired Queen Helen with a growing discontent andrestlessness of spirit. Menelaos had not noticed any change in her, and it was with an utterly unsuspicious mind that he received thefatal strangers and made them welcome guests in his land and home. 

More than that, having heard the news from Crete that his presencethere was desirable on account of some urgent business, he did nothesitate to set sail for that island, in the expectation of findingParis and his companions still enjoying the hospitality of his palaceafter a short absence. 

This was the chance which wily Aphrodite had contrived for Paris. He took the hint and carried Helen away to his ship, together withas much treasure as they could lay hands on, and then they sailedfor Troy. Little did he heed, in his mad desire to call the mostbeautiful woman in the world his wife, that she was already the wifeof a hero who had received him as an honored guest in his house, andthat he was about to destroy the peace and honor of his host. 

As soon as Menelaos heard of the flight of his wife, he hastened backto Sparta, where he found his palace deserted and his treasure-houserobbed. 

Then his heart was filled with great wrath. He set out at once tosee his brother, Agamemnon, to consult with him about what was tobe done. Agamemnon was ruler over Mycenæ, and highly respected inall Hellas on account of his power and riches. 

After the two brothers had talked over this grave affair, theyannounced to all the leaders in Hellas the great and detestable crime, and asked them for their assistance. All the king's chiefs of Hellaslent a willing ear to this demand, for in this breach of hospitality, committed against one of them, each felt himself personally aggrievedand bound to help in the punishment of what, in those times, wasconsidered the most unpardonable of all crimes. Only one of the kingsheld back for awhile and needed much persuasion to join the league. This was Odysseus of Ithaca, who could well consider himself at thetime the happiest of mortals, for he had lately married Penelope, one of the fairest and most virtuous maidens of Greece. He had aninfant son of great beauty and promise, and he owned much land andcountless herds of cattle, sheep, and swine. Added to that, all thepetty nobles of the island acknowledged him as their chief. 

But a soothsayer, or seer, had greatly disturbed him by informinghim that if he went to a great war he would be kept away from hishome for the space of twenty years, and even then return to it inthe guise of a beggar, after having suffered wrecks, captivity, endless wanderings, and loss of comrades. 

No one could doubt that Odysseus was brave, but no one could blamehim for wishing to be excused from taking part in the war againstTroy. Menelaos and his brother, however, would accept no excuse fromhim, as he was the wisest and craftiest of all the leaders, and whenOdysseus finally consented to join them he set about arming anddirecting the young Greek warriors with all his heart and soul. 

There was another young prince whom it was absolutely necessary tosecure, for a much venerated oracle had given it as a decree of thegods that Troy could never be taken without his help. This was Achilles, son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons in Thessaly, and of the beauteousocean nymph, Thetis. Notwithstanding his extreme youth, his fatherwould not disappoint the whole country, and he let him go with thosewho came for him. But he sent along with him his adopted son, Patroklos, who was several years older, and to whom the boy was passionatelyattached, and also his oldest and most trusted servant, Phœnix. Thesetwo, the old man and the youth, he charged, as they hoped for themercy of Zeus, to keep watchful guard over Achilles, whose exceedinglyimpetuous and reckless temper exposed him to many dangers which mightbe averted by a sensible and loving word spoken in time. 

[Illustration: THE SILVER-FOOTED THETIS RISING FROM THE WAVES]

The Greeks took counsel together, and it was resolved that Menelaosshould go in person to Troy and demand back his wife, Helen, as wellas his treasure and a suitable apology for the wrong done to him andto all Hellas. He chose for his companion the cunning Odysseus. Ontheir arrival in Troy, Menelaos and Odysseus presented themselvesbefore Priam and demanded the return of Helen and the treasures. 

The king at once called his people together to deliberate upon thematter, and the two Greek kings bravely denounced the mean act ofParis. But the Trojans, stirred up by that youth, abused theambassadors and drove them out of their city. 

CHAPTER IIITHE GREEKS SAIL FOR TROY

The kings and chieftains of Hellas, having heard that Odysseus andMenelaos had been driven out of Troy, hastened to call together theirfleets and armies at Aulis, a city of Bœotia on a ridge of rock runningout into the sea between two little bays, each of which was a harborfor many ships. A hundred thousand men and a thousand ships weregathered there under the leadership of the celebrated and heroicchiefs. The commander-in-chief of the whole army was Agamemnon. 

Among the renowned leaders were Menelaos, the sagacious Odysseus, Ajax, and many others. Just as they were offering a sacrifice to thegods, in order to start out to the war with their good will, a greatmiracle happened. A fearful snake crept from under the altar andclimbed a tree in which there was a sparrow's nest nearly hidden bythe leaves. There were eight young sparrows in the nest, nine birdswith the mother. The snake devoured the fluttering little birds, around which the mother circled as if overcome by grief. 

Then the snake darted at the mother-bird and swallowed it, when Zeuschanged the reptile into a stone. The Greeks wondered at the sight, but the soothsayer, Calchas, said to them: "Why do ye wonder at this?The all-powerful Zeus has sent us this sign because our deeds shalllive forever in the minds of men. Just as the snake has devoured theeight little sparrows and their mother, so shall the war swallow upthe nine coming years, and in the tenth we shall overcome Troy. "

The ships of the Greeks lay in the bays of Aulis while the warriorswaited impatiently to set sail. But the winds were contrary; theywould not blow, and the boats waited there year after year; for asacred hind had been slain by Agamemnon, one that belonged to thegoddess Artemis, and it was ordered by that goddess that no wind shouldarise to take them on toward Troy until her wrath had been appeased. 

So Agamemnon went to Calchas, the seer, and asked his advice, whereupon the old prophet told him to send for his lovely youngdaughter, Iphigeneia, and offer her up on the altar as the onlyacceptable sacrifice to Artemis. When he had placed her upon the altarand the priest was raising his knife, the goddess took pity onAgamemnon and carried the girl away in a cloud, leaving a fine whitedoe instead. 

[Illustration: ODYSSEUS AND MENELAOS PERSUADING AGAMEMNON TOSACRIFICE IPHIGENEIA]

And now arose a favorable wind, and the Greeks arrived safely beforeTroy. How they fought with the Trojans, how many of the heroes outlivedthe struggle, and how many fell in the battle, all this we can learnfrom an old book called the "Iliad. " We shall select from it onlythose things which refer to our hero, Odysseus; and to complete thehistory of that hero we shall go to another book, called the "Odyssey. "

Both of these books are the work of the great poet Homer, who livedmany years after the war with Troy. That we may understand betterwhat happened later on, we must give a short account of the fall ofTroy and of the return of Menelaos and Agamemnon to their own country. 

CHAPTER IVTHE FALL OF TROY

The war lasted nine years, and in the tenth the Greeks conquered Troy, not in battle, but by means of a trick which had come into the mindof Odysseus. He told a skilful carpenter to build a wooden horse ofgigantic size, and in it he hid the bravest Greek warriors. When hehad done this he advised all the other Greeks to depart without leavinganything behind them, and so lead the Trojans to believe that theyhad given up the fight and gone home. 

So the Greeks burned their tents and put off to sea, while the Trojansfrom their walls watched them with great joy, thinking themselveswell rid of an enemy. When the last ship had gone, the Trojans threwopen the gates of their city and rushed down into the plain wherethe Greeks had had their camp, to see how the place looked. 

There they found the wooden horse, and one of the Greeks tied to atree, who told them he was left there as a punishment, and that thewooden horse was an offering to the gods. The Trojans made up theirminds to carry it into their city and give it the best place on theirhighest hill. 

Then Laocoön, a priest of Apollo, stepped forth, and said to them:"Unhappy people! what madness possesses you? Do ye think the enemygone? Do ye know Odysseus so little? There are Greek warriors hiddenin this horse, or else some other mischief is lurking there. Fearthe Greeks even when they bring gifts. "

With these words, he thrust his spear into the flank of the horse, and the arms of the hidden enemy clashed with a loud noise. Just thentwo snakes of great size, sent by Athena, rose from the sea, and sprangupon Laocoön and his two sons, and, coiling around them, bit themto death. The Trojans, in great fear at the sight, took this as asign from the gods that the horse was sacred and that they must protectit, and they moved it at once into their city, breaking down a partof their wall to get it in. 

Having done this, they gave themselves up to feasting and making merry, without the slightest thought that any evil was in store for them. But when night had come, and all were in a deep sleep, the ships ofthe Greeks, which had been hiding all the while behind a neighboringisland, came back. The warriors who were concealed in the wooden horsesprang out and rushing wildly through the city, slew the Trojans rightand left without mercy. From all sides came wailings and groans, andthe flames of the burning city rose up to the sky. 

A deadly struggle took place between the Trojans and the Greeks. Priamwas slain, and Paris and many other heroes. The victory was to theGreeks. Troy fell never to rise again, and the women and childrenwere led off to become slaves to their conquerors. 

Thus was destroyed in one night the great and glorious city of Troy, all on account of the crime which Paris had committed against thelaws of hospitality. 

The trials of the Greeks were not yet at an end. After their victoryat Troy they embarked in their ships and started eagerly for theirhomes. But Zeus prepared a sad fate for them, because Ajax hadviolently dragged Cassandra, the beautiful daughter of Priam, fromthe altar of Athena and had made her his slave. Thus many of the leadersperished in the sea far from home, and some were cast on foreign shoresto die. 

Menelaos was thrown by wind and waves on the island of Crete, andhe lost many of the ships on the cliffs. Thence he strayed to theisland of Cyprus, noted for its mines; and he roved through otherlands until he came to Egypt, where he wandered about for eight years, when he returned to Sparta, taking Helen with him. He becamereconciled to his wife, and they lived a quiet life far removed fromthe enchantments of the wily Aphrodite. 

But the saddest fate of all overtook Agamemnon, who met his deathin his own house at the hands of his wife and brother. 

Agamemnon, without any accident at sea, reached his native land. Fullof gratitude, he kissed the earth and wept tears of joy at the thoughtof meeting his wife and son. 

He entered his home with a glad heart, and his faithless wife cameto meet him, but she had prepared a hot bath for him, and there hemet his death, entangled in a net which she threw over him, for shehad not forgotten the loss of her beautiful daughter, Iphigeneia, whom she believed to have been offered up as a sacrifice on the altarof Artemis. 

She was assisted in this dreadful deed by her husband's brother, whobecame ruler over the land, holding sway eight years, when Orestes, the son of Agamemnon, slew him and regained the kingdom. 

And now we come to the return of Odysseus, the wisest of the Greeks, who wandered to the remotest part of the earth and learned the customsof many people, and who suffered terrible things by land and sea. 

PART IITHE RETURN OF ODYSSEUS TO HIS OWN COUNTRY

CHAPTER VODYSSEUS ON THE ISLAND OF CALYPSO

All the Greeks who had escaped from the destruction of Troy and hadbeen spared the terrors of the sea returned to their homes. But theunfortunate Odysseus was delayed by the fair nymph Calypso on herisland, where she made her home in a cool and beautiful grotto. Therehe wept and mourned, desiring to see his wife again and his nativeland. Each of the gods save one, Poseidon, god of the sea, wishedto help him to find the way home. Odysseus had brought Poseidon'swrath upon himself through inflicting a terrible injury upon thefavorite son of that deity, and for that reason the wrath of the godfell on him and he was wrecked. One day all the other gods had assembledin the hall of Zeus, on Mount Olympos, when Athena, the favoritedaughter of Zeus and firm friend of Odysseus, knowing that her fatherin his heart was well-disposed toward the hero, began to plead forhim in a way to excite greater pity still. 

"O my father, thou great king among the gods, " she said, "my heartis troubled on account of the wise Odysseus, who lingers on an island, far away from home, and suffers greatly; for a nymph lives on theisland, the daughter of great Atlas, and with sweet words she strivesto make Odysseus forget his native land. But he bewails his fate andis full of sorrow, his only wish being to have a glimpse of the smokeof his beloved country. "

Zeus thereupon ordered Hermes to depart at once for the island andtell the nymph to send Odysseus to his home without delay. Hermesobeyed quickly. He bound his winged sandals to his feet, and, takinghis golden wand in his hand, flew like a meteor over land and seatill he reached the island where the nymph Calypso made her abode. He found her within the grotto, singing sweetly while she wove a fineweb on a golden loom. 

All about the grotto there was a grove of cypress-trees in which birdsof gay colors were sporting and springs of pure water bubbling, andthe fragrance of strange flowers filled the air. When Hermes had gazedupon these wonders he entered the grotto. It was bright with a blazingfire on a spacious hearth, and fragrant with the odor of burning cedarand cypress. 

Calypso saw him as he came in and knew him. She bade him sit downon a throne dazzling with jewels, and, placing a table before himladen with nectar and ambrosia, invited him to eat and drink. Afterhe had finished his repast, Hermes told her that Zeus had sent himto her with the command that she should send Odysseus without delayto his native land. Having given this message, he disappeared, leavingCalypso in great grief. 

Odysseus in the meantime sat by the shore mourning and gazing outupon the sea. Calypso found him there, sitting alone, weeping andlonging for his home. She stood by him and said: "Odysseus, my unhappyfriend, do not waste thy life any longer in sorrow. The end of thygrief has come. Arise and prepare to depart for thy home. Build theea raft of the trunks of trees which thou shalt hew down. I will putbread and water and delicate wine on board; and I will clothe theein comfortable garments, and send a favorable wind that thou mayestsafely reach thy native land. "

Thus spoke the lovely goddess, but Odysseus could hardly believe her, and said: "I fear, O goddess, that thou hast some other thought inthy mind, and that thou dost not wish to send me home when thou biddestme sail over this stormy and dangerous sea. I shall never go on tothe raft against thy wish, and thou must swear the great oath of thegods that no harm shall come to me. "

The goddess smiled at these words, and, taking the hero by the hand, rejoined: "Thou art a wise man, and thy answer is well made. I willpledge thee a solemn oath, by the heavens and the earth, and the watersof the Styx, that I have no plan of evil against thee. And I advisethee to do as I have instructed thee, to be ready for any crisis. "

Speaking thus, the goddess went into the grotto and Odysseus followedher. When he had come into the spacious hall, he sat down on his throneand the nymph brought him rich food and wine. Then she took a seatopposite him, and her attendants brought her ambrosia and nectar, which she would gladly have shared with Odysseus, that he, too, mightbecome an immortal. 

When the repast was over, Calypso narrated to him all the trials hewould have to undergo before he could reach his native land. Whileshe was relating these things the sun sank down, and darkness cameupon the island, and all who had their abode in the grotto soughtrest and slumber. 

CHAPTER VIODYSSEUS CONSTRUCTS A RAFT AND LEAVES THE ISLAND

At daybreak the goddess gave Odysseus a large axe and a sharp adze, and led him to the heights of the island, where the largest treesgrew. He went to work at once and cut down twenty trees, which hehewed into proper shape, and then tied them together with ropes whichhe himself made of bark. 

In this way he built a raft which was very large and strong enoughto stand the onset of the waves. He wove a railing of willow and fittedit around the sides of the raft, to protect himself against the dashingwaves; and he raised a strong mast with sails shaped to it, and tightlybound by cords and ropes. He filled the crevices of the raft withwax and pitch and attached a rudder. 

At the end of the fourth day his work was all done, and his littleship was ready to be launched. On the fifth day the beautiful goddessprepared the hero a bath and gave him new garments fragrant withperfumes. She went down to the boat with him and put on board a skinof dark-red wine, a larger one full of water, and a bag of daintyfood. Then she bade Odysseus a kind farewell, and sent a gentle andfriendly wind to waft him over the waves. 

Odysseus was wild with joy at the thought that he was really on hisway home once more. He spread his sails to catch the breeze and tookhis seat at the helm, steering the vessel with great skill. He didnot dare to take any sleep, for he had to watch the sky and starsconstantly and use them as guides on his course. He sailed along inthis way seventeen days. On the eighteenth he spied land in thedistance. It was the land of the Phæacians, lying like a dark spotoff in the sea. 

Then Poseidon, who was returning from Ethiopia, saw him, and his wrathgrew hot against the hero. He raised up his head and said to himself:"Alas! the gods have strangely changed their minds about Odysseusduring my absence in Africa. Behold! in a little while he will bein the land of the Phæacians, where he will find an end to his troubles. Nevertheless, it is in my power to chastise him. "

Speaking thus, Poseidon called the clouds together, and seizing histrident he stirred up the sea; then he set loose all the winds untilthere was a general hurricane, and he wrapped heaven and earth inthe thick darkness of night. 

The mighty waves dashed over the raft, and Odysseus sank on his kneesand trembled. With a deep groan he said: "Ah me, unhappy! Am I tobear more disasters? I fear that the warning of the goddess was tootrue, and that I shall be for a long time cast about on the wavesbefore I reach home. With what dark clouds Zeus has shrouded the sky!The storm grows wild. What terrible waves are these! Helplessly Imust perish. Happy the Greeks who fell before Troy, fighting for theircountry! Would that I, too, had met death the day when the Trojanshurled their spears at me as they strove to take the body of Achilles. If I had died then, the Greeks would have buried me with great honors. Now I shall die an inglorious death. "

As he spoke a huge wave struck the raft with such terrible force thatit whirled it around and overturned it. The helm was wrung from hishand and he fell into the angry breakers. The mast was snapped intwo and the ropes and sails flew off into the sea. 

Odysseus was under water a long time, striving in vain to come tothe surface. Finally he rose, spitting the bitter brine out of hismouth. Although he was in such a desperate plight, his mind was onthe raft. Battling bravely with the waves he reached it, and springingon board sat down in the middle of it. Thus he escaped death. 

The angry waves tossed him hither and thither as the wind scattersthe leaves over a field. Then Ino, the daughter of Cadmus, saw himand took pity on him. She took the form of a bird, and, perching onhis raft, she said to him: "O, luckless man! why is Poseidon so angrywith thee? Fear nothing, however; he cannot take thy life. Obey meand thou shalt not suffer much longer. Lay aside thy clothes, leavethe raft to the mercy of the winds and waves, and swim to the land. Take my veil and wind it about thy breast, and thou shalt not haveanything to fear. As soon as thou hast reached the land, take it offand throw it back into the sea. Then hurry away inland. "

Odysseus hesitated to follow Ino's advice, fearing some treachery. But Poseidon sent a huge wave which struck him and scattered the raftas if it were dry chaff. Then Odysseus at once got astride of theswimming timber. He bound the veil around his breast and bravelyplunged into the boiling waters. 

Poseidon saw him, and shaking his head he said: "I verily believethou wilt come out alive from the sea. But the sea has had thee longenough, so that thou wilt know its power hereafter and fear it. " Sayingthis he lashed up his horses and drove off. 

CHAPTER VIIODYSSEUS IS SAVED ON THE ISLAND OF SCHERIA

Athena, the daughter of Zeus, seeing Odysseus struggling through thewaves, pitied him, and bade the winds become quiet. Two days and twonights Odysseus floated about, but on the third the wind calmed downand the sea became smooth. 

In a short time he found himself near land once more. But the shorewas wild and full of sharp rocks and high cliffs. He could see noplace on which to set foot, and he grew downhearted. His knees gaveway, and, groaning deeply, he cried out: "O, luckless one! In vainhave I braved the dangers of the sea to escape death. Now all hopehas abandoned me, since there is no way for me to get out of the water. I fear that when I try to approach the land the waves will throw meagainst the cliffs, and should I try to find a safe landing-placeby swimming, the surf may carry me back into the wild sea, where somesea-monster will swallow me up. Whatever I may do, I see no help forme. "

While he pondered over these things a huge wave cast him on the foamyshore. His bones were nearly broken, and he lay exhausted until thewave returned, when he was hurled again with great force back intothe sea. Now the unfortunate wanderer took to swimming as his lastresort, and reached the mouth of a river, where he was able to land. 

Too tired to breathe or speak, he sank down in a swoon. His kneesand arms trembled, and his whole body was bruised and swollen. Whenhis senses returned he rose and untied the veil that Ino had givenhim and cast it back into the sea. Then he knelt down and kissed theearth, and moved to a sheltered spot where a wild and a tame olive-treewere standing close together, whose branches had mingled with oneanother, and there he found a safe hiding-place. 

Then the godlike Odysseus lay down on a bed of dry leaves, coveringhimself up as one does an ember, lest it should go out. Athena cameand poured sweet sleep over his eyes, that he might find quiet restafter all his toils. 

CHAPTER VIIINAUSICAÄ IS SENT TO THE RIVER BY ATHENA

While Odysseus lay in a deep sleep, the goddess Athena went to theroyal dwelling of the king of the Phæacians, Alkinoös, in order tohasten the return of Odysseus to his native land. She entered thehouse, where she found Nausicaä, the king's daughter, sleeping inher beautiful chamber. Near her lay two maids who served her. 

Athena came as softly as a breath of air, and caused the maiden todream that her marriage-day was near and that it was her duty to ariseand hasten to the place by the river where they washed their clothing. In her dream the princess seemed to hear Athena say: "Nausicaä, whyart thou so slothful? Thy beautiful robes lie neglected and thywedding-day is at hand, on which thou surely shouldst wear garmentsof dazzling whiteness, and thou shouldst give such garments to thosemaidens who lead thee forth to thy bridegroom. Therefore, as soonas day breaks thou must ask thy father to give thee a pair of mules, and we will hasten to the washing-place down by the river. "

At the first dawn of day Nausicaä went in haste to her father andmother to tell them of her dream. She found them in their splendidhall. Her mother sat with her maidens spinning, and the king stoodon the threshold, just going forth to meet his chiefs in council. The princess approached her father and said: "Dearest father, I praythat thou wilt give me two mules and a wagon, that I may go with mymaids to the river and take all the clothes that need washing, forit becomes the king and his sons to wear clean garments when theygo to the council of the chiefs. Thou hast five sons, three of whomare youths not wedded, and they should be provided with fresh robes;they will need them in the dance. "

The king smiled, for he saw what was in her mind, and he ordered themules. Then his beautiful daughter brought from the linen-room thesoiled garments and put them on the wagon, while the queen prepareda goodly lunch of cold meat and bread and a skin of sweet wine. 

Nausicaä further received from her mother a bottle of fragrant oilwith which to anoint herself after the washing. Then she mounted thewagon, seized the whip and reins, and drove out of the city, themaidens of her train following her on foot. 

When they came to the place where the river was flowing bright andclear, they unhitched the mules and let them browse along the bank. Then they took their garments down from the wagon and tossed theminto the marble vats which they had filled with the limpid water ofthe stream. When they had washed them clean they spread them on thewhite pebbles to dry. Having finished the task, they took a bath andanointed themselves with oil. Then they sat down on the shore andate their lunch. 

The repast over, they began to play ball. First the white-armedNausicaä threw the ball. She looked as tall and royal among her maidsas did Artemis, the daughter of Zeus, among her nymphs. 

Nausicaä sang a song as they frolicked on the sand. 

When it was time to go home they put the clean garments upon the wagonand harnessed up the mules. Just as they started, Nausicaä once morethrew the ball to one of the maidens, who failed to catch it. Theball rebounded from the rocks and fell into the river, at which thegirls raised such a shout that Odysseus, who was sleeping close by, awoke. 

He opened his eyes and sat up, saying to himself: "Woe is me! HaveI reached a country where people dwell? Are they wild and inhospitable, or friendly to the stranger and god-fearing? It seems to me I heardcries of women. Perhaps they were those of the nymphs who inhabitthe mountain heights, the springs of rivers, and the green meadows, or those of people who live near by. But I will see who they are. "

So Odysseus clothed himself as best he could, by winding slenderbranches covered with leaves about him, and left the thicket wherehe was hidden. He went in the direction of the voices, stalking alonglike a great lion. When the girls saw him they shrieked and scatteredin every direction. Nausicaä alone stood her ground, for Athena gaveher courage. When Odysseus saw her he wondered which would be thebetter, to throw himself at the feet of the maiden and beg her togive him some clothes and to show him the way to the city, or to speakto her with more formality. 

It seemed better to him to remain at a distance, and so he addressedher gently, saying: "O queen, I know not whether thou art a goddessor a woman. If thou art a goddess, I should take thee to be Artemis, because thou art so tall and graceful. If, however, thou art a mortal, thrice happy thy father and honored mother. Greatly must they rejoicewhen they see their beautiful child in the choral dance. But he willbe the happiest who shall win thee for a bride. 

"I once saw a young palm-tree growing up beside Apollo's altar inthe island of Dēlos. It was the most beautiful tree the earth everproduced, and I gazed upon it with wonder and reverence. So am I amazedat thy beauty, and I fear to approach thee and throw myself as asuppliant at thy feet, although I am in sore distress, for greatmisfortunes have befallen me. 

"It was only last night that I escaped from the sea. On my way fromCalypso's isle I was driven about for twenty days by the angry wavesin a violent storm. Now some god has cast me on this shore to makeme undergo new trials, for I do not believe my sufferings have cometo an end. Have pity on me, O queen, because thou art the first humanbeing I have met after so many misfortunes. 

"I do not know one person in this country. Show me thy city, I pray, and give me an old robe to wear, no matter how coarse and poor, andmay the gods bestow all blessings upon thee. "

Nausicaä looked at Odysseus in pity and answered: "Stranger, thoudost not seem to me to be a man of mean birth or breeding, and thouart surely in distress. But it is Zeus who distributes gifts to mortals, both the good and the evil things of life, and thou must submit tohis will with patience. 

"Since thou hast come into our land devoid of all things, even garments, and art helpless, I will give thee clothing and tell thee the wayto the city. And I will tell thee about the people living in it, forI am the daughter of the king, Alkinoös, who reigns over this island. "When Nausicaä had spoken thus to Odysseus, she turned to her maidsand commanded them not to flee from the wanderer, but to bring himfood and drink, since Zeus sent the poor and the stranger to be caredfor. 

And she told them to lead him to some lonely spot by the side of theriver, where he might bathe at his ease. So the maids came back andled the hero to a sheltered place and laid a cloak and tunic on thesand, and the bottle of oil which the queen had given Nausicaä, thatOdysseus might anoint and clothe himself after his bath; then theyran back to the princess. 

Odysseus bathed in the fresh water of the river and washed the saltsea-foam from his hair, and when the bath was over he put on the robesthat Nausicaä had sent. Athena shed a halo of beauty over him andcaused him to look taller and stronger than before. 

As he walked along the beach to rejoin the maidens, they admired hisnoble and kingly bearing, and Nausicaä said to her maids: "Surelythis man does not come among our godlike brothers against the willof the gods. I thought him rough and homely, but now he seems likeone of the immortals. I would that I might call a man like him myhusband. Make haste to give him food and wine, for he has fasted along time. "

The maids hastened to obey. They looked over what was left of theabundant lunch and bade Odysseus eat and drink, which he was gladto do. The princess then yoked up the mules and they started for home. 

CHAPTER IXODYSSEUS ARRIVES AT THE PALACE OF ALKINOÖS

After Nausicaä had mounted to her seat on the cart, she said toOdysseus: "Get ready now, stranger, and we will lead thee to myfather's palace, where thou wilt meet the chiefs of the Phæacians. If thou art wise, take well to heart what I shall say to thee. Aslong as we are at a good distance from the city there is no harm ingoing along with us. Just follow close to the wagon with my maids. 

"But when we come near to the town thou must go more slowly and tarrybehind a little, till we have reached my father's hall, because Idread the gossip of the baser sort of people whom we may meet. Afterthou hast seen us enter the city, then thou mayest enter it also andinquire the way to the king's palace. It is very beautiful. Thou mayesteasily find it by thyself, for there is no other house in the cityas large as ours. 

"Enter at once and find my mother and sue to her for protection andhelp, that thou mayest reach thy native land and thy dear ones again. "

Having spoken these words, Nausicaä touched the mules with her longwhip and they quickly left the river, wending their way toward thecity. They reached it at sunset, but Odysseus sat down in the sacredgrove of Athena, outside of the city to wait, and prayed to the goddessthat he might receive pity from the people of Phæacia. 

While he prayed, the damsels went on and soon reached the king's palace. Nausicaä's brothers came out and welcomed them, and unhitched themules. When Odysseus had given them time to get home, he arose andfound his way to the town. He had hardly entered it when Athena, inthe form of a young girl carrying a pitcher of water, met him. 

"My daughter, " Odysseus said to her, "canst thou show me the way tothe king's palace? I am a stranger, and here for the first time. "Athena answered him: "With pleasure, stranger; the king is ourneighbor. Follow me, and I will lead thee thither. But on the waydo not greet anyone or ask questions, for the people here are notfond of those who come from other lands. "

Thus spoke Athena and pursued her way with Odysseus following her. She threw a veil of darkness over the hero to hide him from rude gazers. Odysseus beheld the beautiful port with astonishment--the largeships, the great market-place, and the high walls of the city. 

When they reached the palace, the girl stopped and said: "This isthe house of the king. Go in without any fear, for they love bravemen, even when they come from afar. The first thing to do is to findthe queen, whose name is Aretè. 

"She is greatly honored by the king, and all the people treat heras if she were a goddess, on account of her gentleness and virtue. In case the queen looks upon thee with favor, thou mayest be sureof safely reaching home. "

Having spoken these words, the goddess took a friendly leave of thehero, and he entered the outer hall of Alkinoös, where he wasbewildered by the splendor. The walls were of brass, the doors ofgold, and the thresholds and lintels of pure silver. On each sideof the main entrance gold and silver dogs stood guard. They wereendowed with life and were immortal, the work and gift of the divineHephæstus. 

There were two rows of splendid seats in the large dining-hall. Theywere covered with costly mats, and the Phæacian leaders were wontto sit there and enjoy themselves. Golden statues of boys with lightedtorches in their hands stood on beautiful pedestals and spread lightover the merry banquets. There were fifty maid-servants in the palace. Some of them were grinding corn in the mill. Some spent their timein spinning and weaving, for as the men were renowned sailors, thewomen also were famous for making fine cloth. 

There was a large orchard all around the palace, surrounded by a thickhedge. In the orchard there was a great variety of fruit-trees--pear, apple, pomegranate, olive, and fig. The trees were never bare of fruit, either in summer or in winter, for an ever-blowing west wind createdsuch a mild climate that the trees were constantly blooming andripening their fruit. 

There was to be seen a tree full of blossoms, while another bent downunder the load of ripe fruit. Thus it was with the grape-vines inthe vineyard close to the orchard. Some were blooming, others hadonly begun to form fruit-buds, while some were loaded with ripeclusters ready for the wine-press. At the end of the orchard therewas a magnificent flower-garden, in which the most fragrant flowerswere blooming. Two springs also bubbled from the ground. One wateredthe orchard, and the other ran to the very door of the palace, andall the people filled their pitchers there. Such were the giftsAlkinoös had received from the gods. 

CHAPTER XODYSSEUS IN THE HALLS OF ALKINOÖS

After Odysseus had contemplated these wonders to his heart's content, he entered the main hall. There he found the leaders of the Phæaciansbringing offerings of wine to Hermes, as the hour of sleep had arrived, and this was always their last ceremony before seeking slumber. Noone saw Odysseus as he crossed the spacious room and came close tothe king and queen, for he was still concealed in the thick mist whichAthena had thrown round him. Suddenly the cloud vanished, and Odysseusthrew himself at the feet of Aretè, and raised his voice insupplication. 

"Aretè, " he prayed, "I have come to thy husband and to thy feet throughmany hardships and sorrows. May the gods give thee a long and happylife. For many years I have been a wanderer from home and all I love. I beg that thou wilt give me a guide and send me to my own land. "

When Odysseus had spoken these words he sat down amidst the ashes, close to the fire, and all the guests grew silent and looked at himwith wonder. Then the oldest of the chiefs arose and said: "Alkinoös, this is not a royal seat for a stranger, among the cinders of thehearth. I pray thee, raise him up and place him on a throne, and orderthe heralds to fill a cup with wine, that we may pour a libation toZeus, the protector of suppliants, and bid the guest welcome to ourgood cheer. "

Then Alkinoös arose and took Odysseus by the hand. He led him to asplendid throne but little lower than his own, while the herald placeda table before him loaded with dainty food. When Odysseus had eatenand drunk, the attendants filled the cups to pour libations in honorof Zeus, and Alkinoös said to them: "Listen, ye leaders and chiefsof the Phæacians. To-morrow we shall greet the stranger in our palacewith honors and offer a great sacrifice to the gods. And then we willconsider the best way of sending him home. But if we should find thathe is a god instead of a mortal, we will do what seems best, for thegods do sometimes visit us in human shape. "

Then said Odysseus: "Nay, Alkinoös, I am not a god, nor like the godsin form or looks. I am only a wanderer, and I could tell of fearfulsorrows; and I would willingly die if I could only see my home oncemore. "

The guests all greeted Odysseus with approving words, and promisedto aid him. Then they rose, and each man went to his own home. 

Odysseus remained in the hall with Aretè and Alkinoös. As theyconversed, the queen noticed the garments of Odysseus, because shehad woven them herself, and she said to him: "Stranger, who art thou, and from what land? Didst thou not say thou hadst come here aftermany wanderings and voyages on the stormy sea? Who gave thee garmentsof my weaving?"

Odysseus answered her: "It would not be easy, gracious queen, to tellabout all my hardships and sufferings. Yet I will do thy bidding. I was shipwrecked long since, and thrown upon an island far out inthe sea, where Calypso, the daughter of Atlas, lives. She cared forme most kindly, and would have made me, like herself, an immortal, but I chose instead the hope of seeing my own native land. 

"The goddess detained me seven long years on her island before shebade me start for home. I built a raft, which she stored with food, and she sent a pleasant breeze to carry me across the waters. ButPoseidon stirred the winds and waves against me, and I was thrownupon the shores of this island, near the lavers, where thy daughterand her maids went to wash the household linen. There the princessfound me, and supplied me with food and the garments I have on. "

"One duty my daughter left undone, " Alkinoös said. "She should havebrought thee home with her. " "Do not blame her, I entreat, " repliedOdysseus, "for she bade me come with her maids, but I lingered ina grove to offer a prayer to Athena. " When Alkinoös had heard thistale from Odysseus, he promised once more to give him a ship andsailors to escort him home. 

Meanwhile the queen bade her servants prepare a bed for the hero outon the portico, and they covered a couch with shaggy rugs and purpletapestries, where he could rest. With a grateful heart Odysseus arose, and, thanking the king for his generous hospitality, sought the bed, where he gave himself to happy dreams. 

Odysseus rose early the next morning and went with Alkinoös to themarket-place, close to the sea, where all the Phæacians had assembled. The people gazed with admiration at their stranger-guest, for Athenalent him greater dignity and beauty, and she went among the crowds, moving their hearts to sympathy with him. 

Alkinoös then addressed the assembled multitude: "Hear me, ye chiefsof the Phæacians, " he said. "This stranger has come to our land aftermany wanderings and adventures. And he asks me to send him back tohis own country. Let us fit out a ship for him quickly and launchit, and give him fifty-two young men from among our best sailors, who shall get everything ready for the long journey. 

"While they are doing this the stranger shall come to my halls withthe chiefs and princes, where we will make a great banquet. Summonalso the bard, Demodokos, that he may enliven the festival with hisharp and songs. "

Having spoken, Alkinoös rose and led his guest back to the palace, the princes following him. Fifty-two youths were soon chosen fromamong the best seamen, and they launched a ship speedily and wentup to the royal palace. 

CHAPTER XITHE BANQUET IN HONOR OF ODYSSEUS

Alkinoös now ordered a sumptuous feast in honor of his guest. Whenthe table was spread, the herald who had gone for Demodokos came inleading the bard, who was blind. The gods had deprived him of sight, but had bestowed upon him the gift of song. They gave him a seat ona silver throne, amid the guests, and hung his harp against a loftypillar, close above his head, where he could easily reach it. 

When all had eaten and drunk as much as they desired, Demodokos tookhis lyre and began to sing about the heroes of Troy. It was a songwhose fame had reached over the whole world, the story of a friendlystrife between Achilles and Odysseus before Troy, in which Achillesheld that Troy would fall by force, but Odysseus maintained that itwould come to an end through the cunning of a few brave Greeks. 

All the guests enjoyed listening to the thrilling song, but Odysseuswas deeply touched, and tears fell from his eyes. He brushed themaway stealthily, so that no one should observe them, and drew a largepurple veil over his face until the song was finished, when he putit away and took a goblet of wine, which he poured out on the groundas a libation to the gods. 

Again the minstrel took his harp and sang, and again Odysseus wept. Alkinoös noticed that the song of Demodokos moved Odysseus to tears, and thought it might be well to stay the music awhile and begin thegames, that the stranger might witness the athletic skill of thePhæacians. All the princes instantly arose and walked down to themarket-place, the king leading and the people following. 

When the chiefs had taken their seats a great number of young menhastened forward to begin the games. Some of them darted over theplain in a foot-race, raising a cloud of dust. Others strove withall their might in wrestling-matches, while some threw the quoit orplayed at boxing and leaping. After they had enjoyed looking at thegames, Laodamas, a son of Alkinoös, said to his friends: "Let us askthe stranger to take part in the games. His strong arms and legs andpowerful neck show that he is no weakling. Nor has he lost his youthfulvigor after all his hardships, although nothing tires a man so muchas being tossed about on the sea. "

Then the friends of Laodamas advised him to challenge Odysseus totake part in the games; and this seemed right to the prince, so hesaid to him: "Father, I think thou must be skilful in these games. Let us see thee try them. We will not delay thee long. Thy ship isready for thee on the sea, and the crew is there, waiting. But thereis no greater glory or pleasure for a man than to excel in swiftnessof foot and strength of muscle. "

Odysseus answered him: "Why dost thou urge me, O Laodamas? How canI take part in the games or find any pleasure in them after all thatI have suffered? Here I sit, a suppliant, praying to be sent backto my wife and home. " Then Euryalos scoffed at him, saying: "Thouart right, stranger, for thy countenance shows thou art anything butan athlete. 

"Methinks thou art the owner of some merchant-vessel. Thou art atrader, whose head is full of bargains. Such men can take heed ofnothing except how to increase wealth. "

These mocking words vexed Odysseus, and he retorted: "My friend, thoudost not speak like a man of good mind. The gods do not bestow theirgifts equally on all men. To thee they have given great beauty, butthey have denied thee wit. Thy words carry no weight. Learn, then, that I am not unskilled in the games. When I was young and strongI was one of the best athletes. But even now, after all my shipwrecksand hardships, I will strive with thee, for thy words are offensiveand challenge me to the proof. "

Having said this, Odysseus seized a much larger and heavier quoitthan the Phæacian prince could use, and swinging it in his powerfulhand he hurled it forth. The stone whirred through the air and fellto the ground away beyond the marks of the other disks. Then Athenatook the form of a Phæacian and set a mark where the quoit fell, andexclaimed as she did so: "Stranger, even a blind man could easilyfind thy mark, for it is far beyond the others. Sit down in peaceand do not fear that anybody else can throw so far. " Odysseus waspleased when he heard these friendly words. With a light heart hesaid to the Phæacian youths: "Reach my mark, if you can, young men, and I will send a stone farther yet. But if you cannot reach it, andprefer a match at boxing or wrestling or foot-race, come forth. Iam ready to try any of the games with you. I can throw a spear fartherthan any of you can shoot an arrow. I fear nothing unless it may bethe foot-race, for I have lost my strength with want of food and beingtossed by the waves. "

He ended, and King Alkinoös stepped forward, for the young men wereall silent. "Stranger, " he said, "thou art our dearly loved guest, and no one can doubt thy bravery. We do not boast that we are fineboxers or wrestlers. We excel in the dance and are unsurpassed insailing ships. Come, then, young men, show your skill in dancing, that our guest may tell his people when he reaches his home how muchwe outdo all others in that art. And let a herald hasten to the palaceand bring the lyre of Demodokos, which has been left there. "

The young men arranged themselves in two rows on the polished floorsand began the dance, while the minstrel, standing in their midst, played on the lyre and sang most sweetly. Odysseus looked on andgreatly admired the swift and rhythmical movements of their feet. All danced very well; but two of the sons of the king came out anddanced alone, for none of the others equalled them. One of them helda golden ball in his hand, and bending backward threw it so high thatit seemed to touch the clouds. The other sprang up and caught it easilybefore it touched the ground. 

They both danced, going through intricate and rhythmical figures, while the other young men stood around in a circle and clapped theirhands, keeping time. Then Odysseus said to Alkinoös: "Truly, no oneexcels the Phæacian princes in dancing. I see the twinkling of theirfeet with amazement. "

These words pleased Alkinoös greatly, and he said to his people:"Listen, my chiefs, for our guest seems to be a wise man. It becomesus now to bestow upon him the gifts of hospitality. In this land thereare twelve kings. I am the thirteenth. Let each one of us bring afine cloak, and a tunic, and a talent of gold, that our guest maysee them before he partakes of the evening banquet. And let Euryalos, who spoke such scoffing words to him, try to win back his friendshipand bring a costly gift. " All the chiefs approved the words of KingAlkinoös, and each one sent a servant to his house to bring a valuablepresent. 

Euryalos cheerfully obeyed the king. He brought a brass sword witha silver hilt to Odysseus, and said: "My father, if I have utteredany offensive word to thee, may the winds scatter all remembranceof it. May the gods grant thee a speedy return to thy country, wherethou shalt see thy wife and friends from whom thou hast so long beenseparated. "

Odysseus answered: "Hail to thee, also, my friend! May the gods givethee all that there is good, and may no need of this sword ever cometo thee. " Odysseus took the sword and threw it across his shoulders. 

The sun had set, and the servants carried the gifts to the royal palace, where the queen took care of them. King Alkinoös led the way to thepalace, his guest at his side and the princes following. When theyhad taken their seats on high thrones, the king told his wife to laythe royal presents in a chest, adding a much richer cloak and tunicthan anyone else had given as a gift from himself. 

Aretè did as her husband wished, and placed a beautiful cup of goldalso in the chest, and led Odysseus up to look at the presents. Thenshe taught him how to lock the chest and unlock it, and her maidscalled him to a warm bath, after which he anointed himself withfragrant oil and put on fresh garments. 

While he was wending his way to the men who sat before their wine, he met Nausicaä in her goddess-like beauty, standing near a pillar. "Stranger, farewell, " she said. "I wish thee joy and a safe returnto thy native land. Do not forget that I was the first to befriendthee in the land of the Phæacians. "

Odysseus answered: "May the gods be as sure to favor my return tomy home as I shall be to make a prayer daily in thy behalf, fair maiden, who hath saved my life. " Then Odysseus entered the great hall andtook his place at the feast. 

CHAPTER XIIODYSSEUS RELATES HIS ADVENTURES

When they had all eaten and drunk to their hearts' content, the herobegged Demodokos to sing about the invention of the wooden horse withwhich Odysseus had artfully tricked the Trojans to their owndestruction. 

The minstrel felt the inspiration of the song, and began where theGreeks threw firebrands into their own tents and sailed away fromTroy, pretending that they had given up the war. 

He told how the Trojans wondered what to do with the huge wooden horsewhich the enemy had left in their city, whether to hew it to piecesand burn it, or to drag it to the edge of a high rock and throw itover, or whether to spare it as an act of reverence to the gods. Thislast was done, and in the night Odysseus and his men came out of thegreat wooden trap and set fire to the city while the men of Troy slept. 

As Demodokos sang, tears rolled down the cheeks of Odysseus. But noone noticed his weeping except the king, who said: "It is better tostop the song of Demodokos, as it does not delight us all. Ever sincethe bard began to sing, our guest has been weeping. He carries somegreat trouble in his heart. Let the song cease, and let us all makemerry. Let no grief mar our banquet. And, honored stranger, tell usthe name of thy father, and the city which is thy home. Our seamenshall take thee safely to thine own land, although there is a prophecythat one of our good ships shall be changed into a high rock, to standforever in front of our city, if we show such courtesies to strangers. 

"Tell us truly who thou art and whither thou hast roamed, what tribesof men thou hast seen, and why thou dost weep when the minstrel singsof Troy. Didst thou lose a noble kinsman there, or a dear friend?For a friend is often dearer than a brother. " Odysseus replied: "Intruth, O king, it is a pleasant thing to listen to a bard like Demodokos, for his voice is as sweet as the voice of a god. 

"And I cannot think of anything more delightful than the joy of acontented people listening to a great poet and singer while seatedat a feast in a royal hall. But I pine to be at home, and I will declaremy name and tell the story of my sufferings. 

"I am the chieftain Odysseus, son of Laertes, and widely known tofame. I dwell in sunny Ithaca, whose high mountains are seen fromafar, covered with rustling trees. Around it are many smaller islands, full of people. Ithaca has low shores on the east. It is a ruggedisland, but it is the sweetest land on earth, and has a noble raceof mortals. When the Trojan war was at an end, I started for homewith my twelve ships, but a contrary wind drove us to Ismaros, thecity of the Kikonians. 

"We captured it and put the inhabitants to the sword. Then I exhortedmy comrades to fly, but, like madmen, they remained on the sea-shore. Then they slaughtered a large number of sheep and oxen and made afeast. The Kikonians called on their strong neighbors to come andhelp them, and they came in swarms with their brazen spears. Theyfell upon our men and killed six of them from each ship, and drovethe rest back to their boats. 

"Brisk handling of our oars soon carried us out into the sea, butJove sent a hurricane that tore our sails and split our masts, sothat our sailors drew them into the ships in fear. Two days and nightswe lay helpless in our boats, worn out with fear and grief, but thethird day the sun shone on us again, and we raised the masts and sailsto take the breeze, hoping to reach our own land. "

CHAPTER XIIITHE LOTUS-EATERS AND THE CYCLOPS

"We sailed onward in a westerly direction, heading for the Grecianshore, and thought our trials would soon be at an end. But in thiswe were disappointed, for when we were about to round the cape atthe southern point of Greece, we met an evil wind which always blowsthere, and it drove us far to the east, beyond the island of Cythera. 

"Nine days and nine nights we were driven about on the sea by theviolent storm, and on the tenth we reached the land of the Lotus-eaters. These men eat flowers that look like water-lilies, and they have noother food. We landed on the shore of the mainland, and my comradestook their evening meal close to the boats. 

"When our hunger was satisfied, I sent out two of the best men toexplore the country about and find out what sort of people theLotus-eaters were. I sent a herald with them, whom they might sendback with the news. 

"They soon found themselves among the Lotus-eaters, who were gentleand friendly, and gave them the lotus plant to eat. This food ispleasant to the taste, but dangerous; for anyone who eats of it losesall desire to return to his own home. He forgets his cares and troubles, but also his friends. 

"As soon as my comrades had eaten of the lotus, they became attachedto the Lotus-eaters, and desired to remain with them. They weptbitterly when I commanded them to return to the ships, and I wasobliged to force them to go. 

"I bound them down to the benches in the ships, and the whole companywent on board in haste lest they should never think of their homesagain. Each man bent to his oars, and the waves were soon white withthe beating of the ships against them as we sailed with all hastein the direction of our own land. 

"We sailed about on unknown seas and with sorrowing hearts until wecame to the land of the Cyclops. They are a wild people who have nolaws. They never plough the fields nor plant them, for everythinggrows of its own accord--wheat, and barley, and the vine. The grapesyield good wine. The Cyclops do not come together in a friendly way, but live in caves near the mountain tops, each one in his own den. They do not care much for one another, and each rules his wife andchildren as he likes. 

"There is a little woody island lying at the entrance to the landof the Cyclops, on which swarm numberless wild goats, never disturbedby human beings, for the Cyclops have no ships to take them over. This island is very fertile, but there are no sheep to eat the grassand no people to plough the fields. The goats are the only inhabitants. The island has a harbor which is safe, and the ships that enter ithave no need of anchors or fastenings. 

"In the midst of the harbor there is a cliff, from which bubbles fortha spring of excellent water, and poplar-trees grow all around it. The soil is so rich it might bear all kinds of fruit, if there wereanyone to plant them. There are beautiful meadows all along the coast, which are gay with yellow fruit and pink blossoms. 

"We were shaping our course toward this island, and a good breezebrought us there on a dark night. The moon did not shine and noneof the crew saw the land until we were upon the shore. We loweredour sails and rested there until morning. When daylight appeared webeheld with wonder the island where the wild goats abounded. Mycomrades walked around, admiring the beauty of the place, while thenymphs, daughters of Zeus, roused the goats that they might give usmilk. We took our bows and arrows from the ships immediately and, forming three hunting-parties, killed a great number of the nimblecreatures. Each of my twelve ships received nine goats as its share, but mine received ten. The remainder of the day we passed in eatingand drinking. "

CHAPTER XIVTHE CAVE OF THE CYCLOPS

"The next day I started with twelve men, the crew of my own ship, to find out what kind of men inhabited the country opposite us, leavingall the other boats and their men on the island. When we sailed upto the coast of the mainland, we heard the voices of giants, and thebleating of their sheep and goats. And we saw a cave with a high roof, over whose entrance grew laurel shrubs, and many cattle, sheep, andgoats were lying around at rest. We found an enclosure of rough stonein the form of a court, with tall pines and leafy oaks at the mouthof the cave. 

"The largest giant of all the race of Cyclops dwelt there and tookcare of his cattle all alone. Usually he spent his time prowling allby himself around the mountains. He had nothing to do with hisneighbors, but led a solitary life, plotting wicked deeds. He lookedmore like a huge mountain top, with shaggy overhanging forests, towering above other mountains, than a human being. 

"We were soon inside the cave, but we did not find the owner at home. We had carried with us a wine-skin full of wine which a priest ofApollo had given us. The wine was very fragrant and so pleasant thatno one who had once tasted it, could let it alone. We had taken alonga basket of food also, for fear of meeting with men of great strengthand no sense of the courtesy due to strangers. 

"As we looked around the cave we wondered at what we saw. There werebaskets all about heaped with cheeses, and pens of lambs separatedinto three folds, the older in one pen, the younger in another, andthe youngest in a third. And there were pails full of whey, and bucketsof milk. My companions ate as much of the cheese as they liked, afterwhich they begged to drive all the lambs and kids down to the ship. 

"But I would not allow this. It was my wish to stay there and seethe cave-dweller and find out what kind of a man he was. I thoughthe would give me a handsome present, according to the laws ofhospitality. It was cold in the cave, so we lit a fire and sat downto wait for the owner to arrive. 

"He came toward evening, carrying a load of wood on his back, whichhe threw down with such a crash that my men ran with terror into thecorners of the cave. The giant drove all such sheep and goats as wouldgive him milk into the cave, leaving the others in the outside court, and then closed up the entrance with a rock so large that twenty-fourfour-wheeled wagons could not have moved it. Having done this, hesat down and milked the sheep and goats and gave to each its youngone. 

"Next, he curdled half of the milk and put the curd into woven baskets, but he kept the other half for his evening meal. When he had endedthis work he lit a fire, and seeing the strangers he began to askthem questions, to find out who they were. His voice was deep andfrightful, like the rumbling of a volcano, and our hearts trembled, but I found words to answer him: 'We are Greeks, and come from Troy. It was our intention to return home, but contrary winds have drivenus on this shore. 

"'We belong to the army of Agamemnon, whose fame is very great becausehe has overcome a strong city and conquered many nations. But nowwe throw ourselves at thy feet and pray that thou wilt receive usas guests, or else give us the gifts that are due to strangers, lestthe gods avenge us. '

"Having said this, I stopped, but the Cyclops told us that we werefools to believe in the gods. 'The Cyclops, ' he said, 'care nothingfor the gods. We are better than they are. If I spare thee it willbe of my own free will, and not for fear of the gods. But where arethy ships? Are they near here or far off?' This he said hoping todeceive us, but I saw through his trick, and replied: 'The storm hasthrown our ships upon the cliffs and broken them to pieces, and wehad to swim for our lives. '

"The cruel monster did not answer me again, but he seized two of mycompanions and dashed them to the ground with such force that theydied on the spot. He devoured them as a lion devours his prey. Heleft nothing of them, neither bones nor flesh nor hair. We wept aloudand prayed to Zeus with our hearts full of despair. "

CHAPTER XVTHE BLINDING OF THE CYCLOPS

"When the monster had filled himself with food, he stretched out onthe floor of the cave to sleep. Then the thought came to me to thrusta sword into his heart. But this was not a wise course to take, becausewe should never have been able to remove the stone from the entranceto the cave. 

"We passed the night in mourning and lamentations. As soon as daylightappeared, the Cyclops woke up and lit a fire and milked his sheepagain. Then he seized two more of my companions and devoured them. When his morning meal was done he rolled the stone back from the doorand drove his beasts out, not forgetting to secure the entrance. Wecould hear his noisy shouts afar off as he led his flocks over thegrassy heights, and we began to make plans to destroy him. 

"We found a great club of green olive-wood in the cave; one that theCyclops had cut for his own use. It was as large as the mast of aship, and he had laid it away to dry. I cut off a fathom's lengthfrom this club and handed the piece to my companions, who smoothedoff its sides and sharpened it at one end. This being done, I putthe sharp end of it into the fire. The stick became very hard, andthen I hid the weapon under a heap of litter which was piled up inthe cave. We cast lots to see who should assist me to put out theeye of the Cyclops when he was asleep. 

"When evening came the Cyclops returned to the cave with his fat sheepand kids. He seemed to suspect that there was mischief afoot, forhe did not leave any of them outside. After milking the ewes and goatshe again seized two of my companions and made his supper of them. But I filled a large drinking-vessel with the wine from our wine-skinand stepped boldly out and said to him: 'Here is a cup of wine whichI brought, hoping that thou wouldst spare my life, O Cyclops, forthy wrath is boundless. ' He took the cup and drank. The wine delightedhim greatly, and he handed me the cup after emptying it and said:'Give me another draught and tell me thy name. I will give thee agenerous gift, such as becomes a host. We, too, have wine, but notsuch as yours. That tastes like nectar and ambrosia. '

"Three times I filled the cup and brought it to him, and three timesthe Cyclops drank it like a madman. When the wine had overpoweredhim, I said to him: 'Cyclops, thou dost wish to know my name, andI will tell it, but thou must give me the present thou hast promised. My name is Nobody. My father and mother gave me this name and my friendsall call me by it. ' 'Then, ' said the Cyclops, 'I shall eat Nobodylast of all. This is my present. '

"After these words he fell asleep and, being very drunk, he beganto spew out the wine and flesh he had taken. I took the piece ofolive-wood which my men had sharpened and put the point of it intothe fire and held it there until it was a glowing coal. My comradesstood near me and I encouraged them with brave words. We thrust theburning stick into the Cyclops' eye and put it out. He howled withpain, and, stung to madness, he seized the stick and flung it acrossthe cave. 

"He called to the other Cyclops, who lived in divers caves on thesurrounding mountains, while we hid ourselves in fear in the mostremote corners of the cave. The giants heard him and came runningto help him, but they could not get into the cave. They stood nearthe stone, close to the door, and called out: 'What ails thee, Polyphemus? Is anyone trying to kill thee?' 'Woe is me!' criedPolyphemus, 'Nobody is trying to kill me. ' 'Then why dost thou shoutand cry for help?' said they. 'If nobody hurts thee, then thou artnot hurt. '

"With these words they went off, and we rejoiced greatly that my trickhad deceived them. "

CHAPTER XVIODYSSEUS AND HIS COMPANIONS LEAVE THE LAND OF THE CYCLOPS

"Polyphemus, groaning with pain, tried to feel his way with his handsto the mouth of the cavern. Having succeeded in this, he rolled backthe stone and sat down at the entrance and stretched out his handsin order to catch us if we should happen to try to get out among thesheep. 

"But we were not so foolish as to be caught in this way. There werein the cave a number of stout and woolly rams. Of these I put threeabreast and tied them together with twigs that happened to be in thecave. Under each middle ram I tied one of my companions. The two sheep, one on each side of him, hid the man completely. For myself I selectedthe stoutest ram of the flock, and, seizing his long shaggy wool withmy hands, held fast to him with my knees and arms. 

"The sun rose and the animals began to hasten out to the pastures. The Cyclops, though nearly exhausted with pain, passed his hands overthe backs of the sheep to find out whether any of us were trying toride out of the cave. He did not find out our trick, and my companionsall escaped safely. Last of all, the ram that carried me came to thedoor, because I was so heavy that he could hardly walk with me hangingto him. 

"Polyphemus felt of his back and recognized him at once as his favoriteram, and said: 'Dearest of all my sheep, why dost thou go last?Commonly thou wert the first of the flock to hasten to the rich pastureand the cool spring, just as thou wert the first in the evening toreturn to thy manger. But to-day thou art last of all. Dost thou grievebecause thy master hath lost his eye, which Nobody has put out? Butwait a little. He shall not escape death. Couldst thou only speak, my ram, thou wouldst tell me at once where the scoundrel is; thenthou shouldst see how I would dash him against the rocks. '

"Speaking such words as these, he let the ram go. When we were safelyout of the cave, we gladly took to our feet and drove the fat sheepdown to our boat with all haste. Our friends received us with tearsof joy, for they thought we had surely perished. I made signs to themnot to weep aloud, and to hurry the sheep on board the ship. Theydid this with all haste, and each man took his place at the oars. 

"When we were beyond the reach of the Cyclops, I called out to teasehim, 'Ha! Cyclops, Cyclops, thou hast not been entertaining a coward. Zeus and the other gods have avenged the brave men whom thou didstso cruelly destroy. '

"The Cyclops heard my words and grew furious. He seized a large rockand threw it with all his might toward the place where he had heardmy voice. 

"The rock fell in front of my ship, and the waves which it raisedcarried us back on shore. I seized a large pole and shoved the boatback into the water, commanding my men to ply their oars vigorously, that we might escape destruction. My companions begged me not toexcite the dangerous monster further; but when we were a long wayout I shouted to him: 'Cyclops, if ever anybody asks thee who putout thine eye, tell him it was Odysseus, the son of Laertes, conquerorof Troy. '

"When Polyphemus heard these words he gave a deep groan, and saidto me: 'Truly did the wise seer, Telemos, foretell that I was to beblinded by Odysseus. But I thought there would come a large andpowerful man, not such an insignificant little fellow who would cheatme with wine. Come back, Odysseus, and let me bestow upon you thegifts which are due to strangers. I will pray to my father, Poseidon, to give thee a safe and speedy return to thy native land. He can restoremy eye whenever he will, so I cherish no anger against thee. '

"I knew his deceit, however, and replied: 'I would rather take thylife, and send thee down to the dark halls of the dead, where thyfather could never restore thy sight. '

"As soon as Polyphemus heard this, he raised his hands to heaven andprayed to Poseidon, 'My father, ' he said, 'hear me, if in truth Iam thy son. Grant me this prayer. May Odysseus never return to hisown country, or, if it be thy will that he reach home and friendsagain, let his return be late and sorrowful. May his comrades allbe lost, and may he go back in a borrowed ship, and find new troubleswaiting for him in his house. '

"Poseidon was moved to wrath against me by this prayer, and determinedto take vengeance on me. The Cyclops seized another stone, much largerthan the last, and swinging it round, threw it at us with tremendousstrength. It fell close to the ship, but this time it drove the boatout into the sea and in the direction of the island where we firstlanded. 

"When we reached the island we found the friends we had left therewaiting anxiously for our return. My men drew their boat up on tothe smooth sand and stepped upon the beach, taking the sheep alongwith them. Each man took an equal share, but they gave me the ramwhich had saved my life. We took him out upon the beach and offeredhim up as a sacrifice to Zeus. 

"But sacrifices were vain, for Zeus had more evil for us in his mind. We spent the rest of the day on the island, eating and drinking, andwhen the sun went down we camped on the shore for the night. In themorning I called my men to climb the decks and cut the ropes thatkept us fastened to the shore. With all speed they went aboard andtook their oars in hand and set sail for home, glad to escape, butsorrowing for our lost companions. "

CHAPTER XVIITHE ADVENTURES OF ODYSSEUS ON THE ISLAND OF ÆOLUS

"We sailed about on unknown seas for many days, when we reached theisland where Æolus made his abode. This island was surrounded bysmooth rocks and guarded by a wall of shining brass. 

"Æolus had twelve children, six sons and six daughters, and theybanqueted on an endless variety of meats from day to day all the yearround. Æolus was a kindly, genial god; he was master of the winds, and one could hear the music of sweet pipes in his halls all day, and the air was fresh and fragrant there. 

"Æolus welcomed us hospitably and kept us with him a whole month. He inquired of the fate of all our companions in the war with Troy, and we stated what had happened to them. Then we prayed him to sendus home, and the god very kindly gave us a sack made of skin in whichhe had tied up all the contrary winds, leaving only the west windfree to carry us safely home. 

"I took the great bag of winds and bound it fast to the main mastof the ship with a silver chain, so that no rude wind could escapeand blow us out of our way. We sailed along nine days and nine nights, blown by the friendly breeze from the west, and on the tenth we sawin the distance the mountain tops of Ithaca and the fires along theshore. 

"And now I was overcome by a heavy sleep, for I had been guiding theship, not daring to trust it to the hand of any of the crew. WhileI lay unconscious of what was going on, my companions talked amongthemselves and said they believed that the bag which Æolus had givenme contained vast amounts of gold and silver. And they spoke withgreat jealousy of the prizes which I had received wherever we hadlanded, while they went empty-handed. 

"The more they talked to one another the more jealous and angry theygrew. They untied the sack and the winds rushed out, much to theirastonishment, and seized the ship, driving it round and round in afurious storm. I started out of my sleep suddenly and found the bagopen I had so carefully guarded and my companions weeping bitterly. 

"For a moment I had a mind to throw myself into the sea and make anend of my troubles forever. But the thought came to me that such anaction would not be noble, so I hid my head in my mantle and lay downin the bottom of the ship while the violent winds and towering wavesdrove us back to the island we had left. We landed there again, and, having partaken of some food and wine, I sought the halls of Æolus. 

"I found the king and his wife and children at table taking theirevening meal. When Æolus saw me he was amazed, and asked me what hadhappened to me. I told him about the senseless action of my companions, and begged him to assist me once more. But with a terrible voice hereplied: 'Begone as fast as thou canst out of my island. I will notbefriend a man who is hated of the gods. ' In this unkind way he sentme off, and we sadly entered our ships and made for the open sea, trusting to the mercy of the winds. "

CHAPTER XVIIIODYSSEUS AT THE HOME OF CIRCÈ

"For six days and six nights we sailed without interruption, but onthe seventh day we reached the city of the Læstrygonians. There thepastures are so rich in grass that the fields, which are grazed byone flock of sheep during the day, yield abundant food for anotherflock by night. The inhabitants were not only inhospitable, but theyreceived us with a shower of stones, which they hurled at us and atour galleys. They broke our ships and killed my companions, spearingthem like fish. Then they carried them ashore to be devoured. Withthe greatest difficulty I succeeded in saving one ship and a fewcompanions from the hands of these giants, and I fled with them outto the high sea. 

"Sadly we continued our course until we reached an island, where thegoddess Circè, a daughter of the Sun and Ocean, lived. We landedsilently, and gave two days and nights to rest, for we were worn outwith toil and grief. On the third day I climbed to the top of a highhill and looked over the island. Down below I saw a marble palace, surrounded by a thick forest. There was smoke rising from the grounds, so I resolved to return to my men and send out some of them to lookabout and explore. 

"A large stag ran down into my path, on his way to a river to drink, and I thrust my spear through him and flung him across my neck andtook him to the ship. I threw him at the feet of my men, who wereastonished at his size. They prepared a banquet at once, and we feastedupon the meat. 

"That night we slept on the shore again, and in the morning I toldthem that I had seen a palace standing in a thick wood, and that Iwanted to send several men there to try to get food. When my companionsthought of all their comrades who had been slain they wept aloud. But their tears were useless. I divided them into two equal bands, and we cast lots to see which party should make the adventure. 

"The lot fell to Eurylochos and his band of men. They started forth, and soon came to a beautiful valley, in which was the splendid houseof Circè, which was built of well-hewn stone. There were beasts ofprey, lions and wolves, around it. The animals were tame; they waggedtheir tails and fawned like dogs, but the men were afraid of them. Circè was weaving in the palace and singing a beautiful song. Shehad bright, sunny hair and a sweet voice. The men heard her as shewent back and forth weaving, and they called aloud. She came to thedoor and threw it wide open and bade them enter. 

"Eurylochos alone did not go in, for he feared that some evil wouldcome of it. The others followed her, and Circè seated them on thronesand gave them food and wine, but in the wine she had secretly infuseda magic juice which made them forget home and friends and all desireto see their native land. 

"When they had eaten and drunk to their hearts' content, she wavedher wand over them, and at once the poor wretches were changed intogrunting pigs, which she shut up in pigsties and threw acorns andother food fit for swine before them. Although thus transformed andcovered with bristles, they still retained the human mind. 

"Eurylochos stayed a long time outside awaiting the return of hiscompanions. But as they tarried so long, he hastened back to the shipto tell the news. Thereupon I quickly hung my sword over my shoulderand, taking my bow and arrows, hurried off alone, and soon found myselfnot far from Circè's palace. "

CHAPTER XIXCIRCÈ INSTRUCTS ODYSSEUS CONCERNING HIS DESCENT TO HADES

"As I lingered in that dangerous valley there appeared to me a youthwhom I knew at once to be Hermes, the messenger of the gods. He gentlytook hold of my hand and, looking compassionately on me, said: 'Thoumost unhappy man! Why art thou roaming alone in these wild parts?Or art thou bound on the errand of delivering thy friends who haveall been changed by Circè into swine? Much do I fear that thou mayestmeet with the same fate. Listen to my words and heed them well ifthou wouldst destroy the treacherous schemes of Circè. 

"'Take this little flower. Its name is Moly among the gods, and nowicked sorcery can hurt the man who treasures it carefully. Its rootis black. Its blossom is as white as milk, and it is hard for mento tear it from the ground. Take this herb and go fearlessly intothe dwelling of the sorceress; it will guard thee against all mishap. She will bring thee a bowl of wine mingled with the juice ofenchantment, but do not fear to eat or drink anything she may offerthee, and when she touches thy head with her magic wand, then rushupon her quickly with drawn sword as though about to slay her. Shewill crouch in fear and entreat thee with soft words to spare her. But do not give way to her until she has pledged herself by the greatoath of the gods to do thee no harm. '

"When Hermes had spoken thus he left me, to return to high Olympos, and I walked to the house of Circè with a braver heart. As I camenear the palace I called out to the goddess with a loud voice, andshe threw open the doors for me to enter. She bade me sit down ona beautiful throne and placed a golden foot-stool under my feet. Thenshe gave me the dangerous cup and I drank it off, but her charm didnot work. 

"Scarcely had I drained the cup when the goddess struck me with herwand and said: 'Off with you! Go to the pigsty, where friends awaitthy coming!' In a twinkling I had my sword in hand and rushed uponher as if to kill her. Circè shrieked with fear and fell on her kneesto implore my mercy. 'Who art thou and whence dost thou come?' saidCircè. 'Thou art the first man over whom my magic wine has had nopower. Art thou really that Odysseus of whom Hermes told me that hewas to come here after many wanderings? But put up thy sword and ceaseto be angry with me and let us trust each other. '

"I answered her: 'O, goddess, how can I have faith in thy words, sincethou hast changed my companions into swine and dost plot the samefate for me? Swear me the great oath that thou wilt not harm me, andI shall trust thy words. '

"Circè at once took the great oath, that she would never again tryto do me any harm, and she ordered her servants to spread a feastbefore me. But I had no desire to eat. I sat down in silence, my mindfull of grief and doubt. 

"When Circè saw that I did not touch the food she said: 'Why art thouso quiet and speechless? And why dost thou not taste the food andwine? I have pledged myself by the great oath to do thee no harm!'But I answered: 'What man with a loyal heart, O goddess, could eatand drink with any pleasure while his comrades are kept in bondageand degradation? If thou art really kind and wouldst have me enjoythis bounteous feast, O let me see my dear companions free once more!'

"The goddess took her wand and went to the pen and drove out the swine. She then anointed them with a magic ointment, and their bristles felloff and they stood up and were men again. They knew me, and each oneseized my hand, shedding tears of joy. Then I sent for the rest ofmy men at the ship, who eagerly came up, and together we entered thehalls of Circè, all of us weeping with joy. 

"Circè's heart was softened also, and she said to me: 'Son of Laertes, noble Odysseus, do not weep and grieve any longer. I know whathardships thou hast endured on land and sea. Take courage, for thysufferings will soon be at an end. Go down to the sea and hide thyboat near the shore and come back to my halls, thou and all thy men, where I will make it a happy home for all until thou art rested andready to sail again for thy native land. '

"We stayed a whole year on the island of Circè, feasting and enjoyingourselves, and fully recovered our strength. The desire of reachingmy beloved Ithaca grew stronger within me day by day, and at lastI begged Circè to allow us to depart. 'I am not willing, O son ofLaertes, ' Circè answered, 'that thou shouldst remain here againstthy wish, but it is necessary that thou shouldst, before departingfrom my island, descend into Hades, to the palace of Pluto andPersephone, to consult the spirit of the Theban seer, Tiresias, onwhom Persephone has bestowed the priceless gift of preserving hismemory even in Hades, whereas all the other souls are moving aboutas empty shadows. '

"Hearing this, I grew desperate and no longer had any desire to liveor see the light of day. I said to the goddess: 'Who will show methe way to Hades? for no living mortal has ever gone there before. 'She replied: 'Do not worry about a guide, Odysseus, for there willbe no need of one. Launch thy boat, unfurl the sails, and quietlysit down. The north wind will waft thee to the shore of Hades. Thereflows the river Styx, black and terrible. It flows between the poplarsand willows in the groves of Persephone, and meets the broad watersof Okeanos. Sail up its dark stream until thou dost reach the rockwhere its two branches meet and swirl and roar. There leave thy boatand dig a ditch in the ground, a foot deep and a foot wide, in whichthou shalt pour honey, milk, wine, and water as an offering to thedead. 

"'At the same time pray to the gods of Hades, and promise the shadesof the dead that after thou hast arrived in Ithaca thou wilt sacrificeto them a whole heifer, the best of thy flock, and to Tiresiasespecially a black ram. Then take two sheep, a male and a female, kill them, and burn them as a sacrifice to the nations of the dead. 

"'At once there will arrive the souls of the departed. They will comeby thousands, anxious to drink of the blood, that they may have theirminds again. But draw thy sword and hold them back until the spiritof Tiresias arrives. He will tell thee how to get back to thy nativeland. '

"As Circè said this the daylight appeared, and I woke my companionsand told them to make ready to go with me. We started at once forour ship, and got everything in readiness to leave. I told them thatbefore setting out for our own country we had, by the advice of Circè, to go down to Hades in order to consult the seer Tiresias about ourjourney. When they heard this they sat down, and wept, and began totear the hair from their heads. 

"Circè meantime came up by stealth, and put two sheep into the ship, and we sailed sadly away. "

CHAPTER XXTHE ADVENTURES OF ODYSSEUS IN HADES

"With a heavy heart we sailed from Circè's island bound for the gloomyHades. As the wind was favorable, we soon reached the place of whichthe goddess had told us. There we left the ship and did those thingswhich Circè had counselled us to do. As soon as the dark blood ofthe sheep began to flow into the trench countless souls came flockingfrom Hades and begged to taste of the blood, that their mortal mindsmight be restored to them. 

"Young wives and girls, old men and young warriors who had fallenin battle, airy forms, ghosts of all kinds of people, flitted likebats around me in that dark place with fearful cries, and I turnedpale with fear. I drew my sword and waved them back until I shouldquestion the soul of Tiresias. 

"But first came the soul of Elpenor, one of my companions who hadgone with me to the palace of Circè. We had left him dead in the hallsof the goddess, since we had no time to bury him. Now, when I sawhim a great pity stirred my heart, and I shed tears and said to him:'Elpenor, how didst thou come into these dread regions of darkness?Thou hast come more quickly on foot than I in my quick ship. '

"The phantom knew me, for, being as yet unburied, he was not one ofthe shades, and had not lost his memory or voice, nor did he needto drink of the blood. He moaned and replied: 'Noble Odysseus, itwas an evil fate which the gods had decreed for me. I drank too muchwine and that caused my death. I lay down to sleep on the roof ofCircè's palace and could not remember the way to the stairs when thoudidst call us to the ships. In my haste I fell from the roof and brokemy neck, and my soul came down to Hades. 

"'I pray thee now by all those whom thou dost love--thy wife, thyfather, and thy son--that thou leave not my body unburied in the palacehalls, lest I bring on thee the anger of the gods. But on thy returnto Circè's isle burn my body, together with my armor, and pile upa mound of earth over my ashes. Plant my oar upon my tomb--the oarwith which I used to row while I was living. '

"I made the promise, but at this moment the soul of my mother, whomI had left hale and strong among the living when I went to the war, approached and tried to get at the trench. I wept to see her, butwith a heavy heart I forbade her coming nearer until I had spokenwith Tiresias. At this moment troops of souls came flocking out ofHades, and from the countless throng the Theban seer came leaningon a golden staff, and he ordered me to lay aside my sword and permithim to drink of the blood. 

"When he had drunk, he spoke to me and said: 'Odysseus, man of manywoes, why dost thou leave the light of the sun and come down amongthe dead? Doubtless thy heart's desire is to return safely home. Butmuch suffering is in store for thee. Poseidon will not permit it, because thou hast blinded his son, Polyphemus. Still, thou mayestovercome all difficulties and see Ithaca at last, if thou dost notharm the cattle and fat sheep of the Sun on the island of Trinacria. 

"'But if thou dost kill them and eat of their flesh, I warn thee thatnothing will save thy comrades or thy ships. Even then thou mayestbe saved, but it will be on a strange ship, alone, and after dreadfulsufferings. And at home thou wilt find other misfortunes awaitingthee. 

"'There will be a mob of lawless men rioting in thy house, squanderingthy riches, and trying to get thy wife to marry one of them. Thoushalt kill these violent men in thy halls by craft or in open fight. After that thou shalt reach a good and prosperous old age, and finda peaceful death far away from the sea. All that I tell thee shallsurely happen. '"

CHAPTER XXIODYSSEUS CONVERSES WITH HIS MOTHER AND AGAMEMNON

"When Tiresias had gone, my mother came back to the dark trench anddrank of the blood. She knew me at once and cried out: 'Oh, my child, how didst thou ever come down to this gloomy place alive? Art thouon thy way home from Troy? And hast thou not seen Ithaca yet, northy wife and child?'

"I answered her: 'Dear mother, I was compelled to come down here inorder to consult the soul of the prophet Tiresias about my return;for I have not yet touched foot to Grecian soil. I have been drivenabout on strange seas from year to year, and have suffered misfortuneafter misfortune. Oh, tell me, my mother, how didst thou die? Didsome lingering disease waste thy life, or didst thou meet a sudden, painless death?

"'Tell me of my father and of my son. Do they still hold rule overIthaca? Or has someone snatched it away from them, thinking I wasnever to return? How fares my wife, Penelope? Is she still faithfulto the husband of her youth, or has she married another?'

"To all this my mother answered: 'My son, Penelope is in the homewhere thou didst leave her, and she weeps for thee day and night. Nobody has usurped thy kingdom, and Telemachos has charge of thy royalestates. But thy father dwells on thy farm, and shares the life ofthe servants. He seldom goes down to the city. The grief he feelsfor loss of thee has made him old, and will hasten his death, as itcaused mine, for I could not live without thee. '

"So spake my mother, and I longed to clasp her to my heart. Threetimes I threw my arms around her, and three times she passed throughthem like a shadow. Then I cried out in sorrow: 'Oh, my dear mother!why can I not clasp thee to my heart and hold thee in my arms, thatwe may lose for a while our sense of loneliness and misery?'

"My mother spoke and said: 'It is the lot of all our race when theyare dead. When life departs we have no bones and flesh, but the soulflies off and flits about from one place to another. Hasten back tothe pleasant daylight, and when thou dost reach home tell thy wifewhat I have said. '

"When my mother had gone, I saw the soul of Agamemnon approaching, together with the shades of those of his companions who had perishedwith him. The moment he had drunk of the blood he knew me and raiseda loud wail. He stretched out his hands to me, and I tried to seizethem, but I clutched only the empty air. 

"Then I began to weep, too, and said to him: 'Famous son of Atreus, King Agamemnon, tell me how thou didst die. Did Poseidon wreck theeon the sea in a terrible storm, or didst thou fall in war, fightingon the land?'

"Whereupon the king told me the dire story of his home-coming andhis death at traitors' hands. 'When I trod my native soil again aftera long absence, ' he said, 'I was overcome with joy at the thoughtof seeing my wife and children once more. But I was slain in my ownhome, and my wife did not even close my eyes as my soul came on itsway to these dark realms. '

"I answered: 'Alas! how the gods must hate the family of Atreus onaccount of the unfaithfulness of its women!'

"Agamemnon replied: 'Oh, son of Laertes, thou art a fortunate man, for thou hast a faithful wife. Penelope is wise and virtuous. Iremember, when we were ready to start for Troy she was a young wifewith a little babe in her arms, which she pressed to her bosom. Hemust be a man now. Thou art a happy father. Thou wilt see thy sonat home in Ithaca. 

"'No such good fortune can ever come to me. My wife did not even letme see my son before she slew me. Tell me about him, I beseech thee, how he is. Does he still live in Sparta?'

"'Son of Atreus, ' I said, 'do not ask me where thy son is. I cannottell whether he is alive or not, and this is no time for idleconjectures;' and we wept as I spoke. "

CHAPTER XXIICONVERSATION WITH ACHILLES AND OTHER HEROES

"While we were conversing thus, the shades of Achilles and Patrokloscame near. The soul of Achilles recognized me, and he said: 'Odysseus, son of Laertes, how darest thou descend into the gloomy habitationof the dead? This is the greatest labor thou hast undertaken. '

"I answered: 'Godlike Achilles, I came here to consult the seerTiresias about my return to my own country, for I have never yetreached Grecian soil, but have wandered about suffering greatmisfortunes. No one is happier than thou art, O Achilles. When thouwert alive all men honored thee as if thou wert a god, and now thouart a king and rulest over the dead. '

"Then he replied: 'Do not try to console me, Odysseus. I would ratherbe the slave of a poor man, and in the light of the sun, than to bein Hades and rule over all the dead. But tell me, Odysseus, how faresmy noble son? Does he fight in the wars, and is he in the front ranks?And Peleus, my aged father, tell me of him. Is he still king of theMyrmidons? Or do they hold him in contempt, now that he is old, andI am not there to uphold him?'

"I answered him: 'I know nothing about thy aged father, O Achilles, but I have many things to tell thee about thy son. I brought him fromSkyros, myself, in a ship to Troy, and placed him in the Greek army. There he surpassed everyone except Nestor and myself in the wisdomof his advice, and when we went forth to battle he fought among theforemost, slaying many illustrious foes. 

"'Above all, his powers shone forth when we were hidden in the woodenhorse. All the other leaders of the Greeks gave signs of fear. Theygrew white and shed tears; but his face never turned pale, and notear came into his eyes. He called on me to leave the horse and rushupon the foe, and he smote the Trojans, carrying death and destructionamong them. When we finally subdued the city, thy son took rich bootyand safely reached his own country. '

"As soon as Achilles heard this news he rejoiced. He strode proudlyoff over the field of Elysian asphodels, well pleased that he hadleft such a mighty son on earth. 

"After Achilles had departed, many other souls came and talked withme. Only the soul of Ajax kept aloof, still angry over a victory whichI gained near the ships when I took the weapons of Achilles as myshare of the booty. Little did that victory and the arms please me, since they caused the grave to close over such a hero as Ajax. 

"I spoke to his soul in gentle words: 'Ajax, son of Telamon, did noteven death appease the anger against me which thou didst feel onaccount of my receiving the arms that brought such a calamity uponthe Greeks? For thou wast our tower of strength, and the weapons provedfatal to thee. Come nearer and speak to me, for I bewail thy death. 'I spoke soothingly yet Ajax gave no answer. His spirit vanished awayamong the other spirits. 

"Then I beheld Minos, the lawgiver of Crete, who held a golden sceptrein his hand and judged the dead. He had under him the great wrong-doersof one part of Hades. With him I saw Tantalos, who stood in a poolof water, suffering at the same time a painful thirst. As often ashe tried to put his lips to the water it sank down away from him sothat he could not reach it. 

"I saw Sisyphos, also, who suffered great punishment, for he rolleda large rock uphill with both hands, straining every muscle of hisbody to the utmost to move it. No sooner had he pushed it to the topof the hill than it rolled back with deafening noise to the bottomof the valley. Again the unfortunate man toiled to move it upward, the sweat covering his body and clouds of dust hovering over his head. 

"Then I saw the shade of Herakles, but the hero himself sits amongthe gods on Mount Olympos. And there came myriads of souls, makinga terrible noise, which filled me with dread, lest I might look uponthe Gorgon, and I hastened back to the ship. I ordered the crew togo on board, and they took their oars and rowed until we reached theopen sea, where favorable winds caught by the sails wafted us backto Circè's isle. "

CHAPTER XXIIITHE RETURN OF ODYSSEUS TO THE ISLAND OF CIRCÈ

"When we reached Circè's isle, we dragged our vessel up on to thebeach, and lay down to sleep on the shore. At break of day I sentmy comrades forth to bring the body of Elpenor from the palace. Wetook it out to a rocky place on the shore, and cut down trees to builda funeral pyre. There we burned the body and performed the funeralrites, and we built a tomb and placed an oar at the top of it. 

"All this was done quietly, but Circè saw us and came with her maids, bringing a generous supply of food and wine. Standing in our midst, she said: 'Brave men, who living have gone down to Hades, all mendie once, but you are permitted to die twice. Take food, eat and drinkall day long, and to-morrow at daylight depart for your native land. I will show you the way and teach you how to avoid all danger. '

"We spent the whole day on the shore, eating and drinking, but whenthe sun sank down and the earth was covered with darkness my companionswent near the ship to seek rest. But I sat down by Circè, who questionedme about my visit to Hades. After I had told her everything, she said:'Odysseus, so far all is well, but there are a great many new dangersahead. Listen carefully to what I say. First, thou must pass the Sirens, who bewitch with their melodious voices all who listen to them. Woeto him who allows his ship to go near them! He will never reach hisnative land, or see his wife and children again. The Sirens sit ina green field and sing, while the bones of dead men lie in heaps nearthem. Do not listen to them, but pass them by unnoticed. 

"'Or, if thou wouldst enjoy the matchless singing and not pay theforfeit with thy life, let thy men bind thee hand and foot to themast of thy ship, so that thou canst not by any effort stir a limbwhen the great longing seizes thee. And give thy men strict ordersto make thy bonds tighter shouldst thou entreat them to loose thee. Before thou art bound, thou shalt knead soft wax in thy palms andfill the ears of thy companions with it, that no sound may enter. 

"'Thence thou wilt come to the narrows where Skylla and Charybdisdwell. On each side of the narrows is a steep cliff, one of whichis so high that its sharp top reaches the sky. It is so slippery thatno one is able to climb up or down its sides, nor could he if he hadtwenty hands and feet. Not even a bird can safely perch on it. 

"'No boat has ever come to the spot and left it without being wrecked, except Jason's, when he was in search of the Golden Fleece, and heescaped because a goddess was his guide, to pilot him through. A darkgray fog forever broods over the head of the cliff, and on its westernside there yawns a fearful cave, where Skylla lives. 

"'She is a terrible monster that barks like a savage dog, day andnight. She has twelve shapeless feet, and six heads set on long necks. Each of her mouths shows three rows of deadly teeth. Half of her bodyis hidden in the rock, but she thrusts out her heads and snatchesher prey, fish, whales, dolphins, or men. No sailor escapes, or, indeed, any living creature that passes that way. 

"'The other cliff is not so high, but is still more dangerous. There, under the foliage of a wild fig-tree, Charybdis dwells, who sucksin the dark waters of the sea three times a day and belches them forthagain three times with a terrible noise. Woe to thee if thou art nearwhen she sucks the waters down, for not even Poseidon himself couldsave thee. It would be better far to steer close to Skylla, for thenonly six of thy men would be snatched from the benches, but ifCharybdis seizes thy ship all must perish. 

"'These pests are immortal. Do not try to overcome them. They cannotdie. It is better to fly from them with all haste. It would be rashnessand not courage to attack them. 

"'Next in thy voyage thou wilt come to the island of Trinacria, wherethe fine flocks of Hēlios are feeding. Two shining nymphs, daughtersof the Sun, tend them. There are seven herds of oxen and seven herdsof sheep, fifty in each herd and flock. These creatures are immortal, and greatly beloved of Hēlios, who will send destruction to thy shipand crew if any harm come to them. Forbid thy men to touch the cattle, even though suffering for food. If thou art wise enough to escapethese dangers, thou shalt reach thy home without further mischance. '

"As the goddess finished, day broke. Circè sought her own dwelling, while we put to sea with a favorable wind, and soon the island fadedfrom our sight. "

CHAPTER XXIVODYSSEUS MEETS THE SIRENS, SKYLLA, AND CHARYBDIS

"When I saw that we were near the home of the Sirens, I said to mymen: 'It is not wise that only one of us should know the oracles ofCircè, and I will tell you all she said to me, that ye may escapefrom the perils before us; and I disclosed her sayings to them. ThenI took a handful of wax and warmed it in the sun until it was soft, and carefully clogged up their ears. 

"They, in turn, tied me to the mast, hand and foot, so firmly thatI could not stir a limb, having first received my command that theyshould not loose my bonds on any account. Then they bent to theiroars, and rowed close to the Sirens, so that they could see me andI could hear their bewitching songs. 

"'Come to us, O renowned Odysseus, ' they sang; 'pride of the Greeks, come and listen to our voices. No one ever yet passed us withoutstopping and admiring our sweet songs. Come, that we may sing to theeabout Troy and thy friends, for we know everything that is going onin the whole world. '

"Thus they sang, and their songs thrilled me. A great desire cameover me to stop and listen to them, and with nods I entreated mycomrades to set me free. But they sprang up and bound other cordsabout me, so that I struggled in vain. Then all the men plied theiroars until the water was white with foam, and when we were out ofsight of the island and could no longer hear the songs of the Sirens, my men set me free, and I took the wax from their ears. 

"Hardly had we escaped from the Sirens when we beheld a black fogand towering waves and heard a frightful noise. My men were so scaredthat the oars fell from their hands and the ship stood still. Ihastened from one end of the boat to the other, speaking cheerfulwords to each rower. 'My dear friends, ' I said, 'have no fear. Thisis not the first time we have encountered danger. We have been savedfrom the hands of the Cyclops through our own valor and clever devices, and we are not going to break down now. Listen, and I will tell youwhat is to be done. Keep your seats and ply your oars with all yourmight; but thou, O helmsman, steer thy ship clear of that fog andthe whirling waves. ' Thus I spoke, and they willingly obeyed my words. 

"Yet I said nothing to them about Skylla, lest they should lose heartand hide in the bottom of the ship. Thus we passed in between thetwo cliffs, the one of which harbored Skylla and the other Charybdis, who, with a terrible noise, swallowed the brine of the sea and belchedit out again with a roar like the mingling of fire and water. 

"But I forgot the command of Circè to fly from these monsters withoutfighting. I put on my shining armor and took a spear in each hand, and went on deck, and stood in warlike attitude ready to attack Skyllaif she should raise a hand to seize one of my men. I looked for along time, but I could not see her. 

"We sailed on, the uproar increasing. My men grew white with fear. The salt waters whirled so that we could look into a deep watery pitand see the blue sand. The rocks were hidden by a thick mist. SuddenlySkylla thrust forth a mighty hand and snatched six of my brave men, as a fisherman pulls out fish with a hook. I saw their handsoutstretched toward me as they were lifted up into the air, and Iheard their cries for help. Woe is me! This sight will haunt me aslong as I have life. "

CHAPTER XXVODYSSEUS ON THE ISLAND OF HĒLIOS

"When we had escaped from the terrible Skylla and Charybdis, we cameto the island of Hēlios, the island of the Sun, and heard from afarthe lowing of the cattle and the bleating of the sheep. Then Iremembered the words of Tiresias and Circè, and I advised mycompanions not to land there at all, but to go right on, lest we suffersome new disaster. 

"My crew would not listen to me. They commanded me to land on theisle. I then made them take an oath not even to look at any of thecattle. We prepared our evening meal, and when it was over we talkedof our dear companions whom Skylla had devoured, and we mourned overthem until we fell asleep. 

"We remained a whole month on this island, on account of unfavorablewinds. We found the roomy grot where the nymphs danced, and the seatswhere they sat--the nymphs who tended the flocks of Hēlios. 

"As long as we had a plenty of bread and wine my comrades were satisfiedand spared the cattle. But when our store of food was exhausted theyroamed all over the island to see what they could get to appease theirhunger. They snared birds and caught fish with hooks, and lived onthem or anything else that came to hand. But they grew poor and leanwith hunger and nearly starved. I went off alone into the island, where I had found a quiet nook, and sent up prayers to the gods toshow us the way out of our difficulties. There I fell asleep. 

"While I slumbered, Eurylochos called my men together, and said: 'Allkinds of death are bad enough, my brave friends, but death bystarvation is the worst. Let us kill the best of these cattle andoffer sacrifices to the gods, and then eat and live. If we ever getto Ithaca we will make restitution, for we will build altars to theSun and place costly gifts upon his shrine. But if it is his willto destroy us in his anger, then let us die amid the billows of thedeep, for that is better than to die by famine. '

"Thus spoke Eurylochos, and the others lent a willing ear. They seizedthe best of the cattle at once, and slaughtered them, and prepareda hearty meal. They offered up petitions to the gods, standing roundtheir victims with young oak-leaves in their hands. Then they coveredthe thighs with caul, and laid slices of fat over these, and pouredon water and roasted it until it was consumed. All the rest was cutinto smaller portions and scorched on iron prongs. 

"At this moment I awoke and hurried down to the ship, and with horrorfound the dreadful meal prepared. One of the nymphs, immortalshepherdess, flew to the Sun to tell him that my men had slain hiscattle. Hēlios was deeply angered, and spoke thus before the assembledgods: 'Father Zeus and all ye immortal gods, behold the comrades ofOdysseus! They have slaughtered my heifers, which gladdened my heartas I went up to heaven and down to earth. 

"'If they do not pay me well for this great wrong, I shall go downamong the dead and give them light, but I will give no light to theliving. ' 'Shine on, O Sun, in the bright sky, ' said Zeus, 'for I willcut their ship to pieces with a thunder-bolt, as it tosses on a blacksea. ' I could only chide my comrades. I could not think of anysufficient redress, for the cattle were dead. 

"And here happened a wonder which amazed my comrades. The skins ofthe dead animals crawled over the ground, and the flesh lowed as theyhad done when alive. Nevertheless, my companions continued to killand eat the best oxen in the herds for six days, when a favorablewind sprang up, and we went on board and set sail once more. 

"After we had lost sight of land, and nothing was before us but skyand sea, a sudden darkness shrouded the heavens, and there arose aviolent storm. The vessel was hurled hither and thither by thetowering billows; the hurricane tore the sails and dashed the mastagainst the pilot's head, crushing the bones, and he was cast headlonginto the sea. 

"Then Zeus sent a thunder-bolt into the ship, and broke it nearlyin two. The boat was filled with a sulphurous smoke, and my comradeswere shaken off into the sea and drowned. They floated round me, butI moved about in the ship until the bottom and the sides had brokenaway from each other and the mast had snapped off at its base. I tookthe mast, which had a thong of bull's-hide round it, and tied it tothe keel. I took my seat upon this frail craft, and the storm whirledme about. 

"After awhile the west wind ceased, and the south wind began to blow, which was still worse for me, since it took me back to dread Charybdis. All night long I was tossed on the waves, and at dawn I drew nearto Charybdis. As the monster was swallowing the salt brine, I caughthold of the fig-tree and clung to it like a bat till she should throwup my poor raft. I waited long, but at last the timbers were thrownout of the whirlpool, and I dropped down upon them, and sat on themand rowed with my hands. I floated about on the waters for nine longdays, and on the tenth I came to Calypso's island. She welcomed me, and detained me seven years, as I have already told thee, O Aretè, and why should I repeat a tale already narrated?"

CHAPTER XXVITHE DEPARTURE OF ODYSSEUS FROM THE ISLAND OF SCHERIA

All the guests had listened with deep attention to the recital ofOdysseus; all were greatly interested, and when he ended they didnot stir or speak a word. Alkinoös was the first to break the silence, and he said: "Renowned Odysseus, since thou hast come to our country, I hope that thy sufferings are at an end and that thou wilt reachthy native land safely and soon. " Then the King turned to his guestsand addressed them: "Phæacians, let us each present one more gift, a large tripod and a vase, to the hero who has come among us. "

The Phæacians received his words approvingly, and each went at onceto his home to sleep. But when morning came they all sent their giftsto the ship, where they were packed carefully under the benches bythe King himself, and the guests returned to the palace, where abanquet was spread for them. 

Alkinoös sacrificed an ox to Zeus, and they sat down at the table. The enjoyment ran high, and the old poet, Demodokos, sang sweet songs. They feasted all day, and when the sun was near its setting Odysseussaid: "King Alkinoös, let us pour out the last libation and offerup the last prayer, for all things have come to pass that my souldesired. May the gods bless thy gifts. May I find my home, my wifeand child, and friends. I pray the gods to grant thee all that isgood, and may no evil ever befall thy land. Be pleased to send mehence, and fare thee well. "

Thus he spoke, right glad that the day was done and eager to set sail. The people approved his timely words, and seizing their goblets theypoured out wine on to the ground, an offering to the gods, and theywished godspeed to their guest. Odysseus arose and placed a gobletin the hands of the Queen, addressing her thus: "Farewell, O Queen, I wish thee a long and happy life, a peaceful old age down to thegrave, from which no one may escape; rejoice in the possession ofthy home, thy people, thy children, and the King, thy husband. "

So spoke Odysseus, and left the hall. The King sent a herald to showhim the way to the port where the ship was waiting for him. At thesame time Aretè also sent down some maids, who carried a new cloakand tunic, a well-wrought coffer full of gifts, and an abundance offood for the journey. 

These things the crew took from their hands and stowed away in thehold of the vessel. They spread a nice bed for him on the deck, wherehe might sleep quietly. When every thing was ready, Odysseus embarked, and the sailors slipped the cables and took their seats at the oars. Odysseus fell into a deep, sweet slumber, but the ship flew forwardfaster than a bird could fly, making rapid headway toward the islandof Ithaca. 

CHAPTER XXVIIODYSSEUS ARRIVES AT ITHACA

When the morning star arose the ship reached Ithaca. It entered aharbor called Phorkys, where there was a grotto sacred to the nymphs, and it was shaded at the entrance by an olive-tree. Stone vases stoodaround in the grotto, and there bees had stored up honey. The nymphsspun their fine thread from stone spindles there, and wove theirsea-purple robes. Springs of cool water flowed through the grotto, and there was an entrance for mortals and one which was kept holyfor the gods. 

When the ship touched the beach the sailors disembarked and carriedthe sleeping Odysseus on a rug on to the shore and laid him down. They brought his presents also from under the ship's benches and laidthem under the olive-tree, a short distance from the road, for fearthat some evil-minded person would take them before Odysseus wokeup. 

Then the crew sailed homeward, but Poseidon saw them and was angrybecause his purpose to cause Odysseus endless suffering had beenthwarted. He at once complained to Zeus that the Phæacians hadrestored Odysseus to his native land, with gifts finer and morevaluable than anything he could have brought from Troy. Zeus listenedto his complaint and gave him authority to destroy the Phæacian boatand its crew. Poseidon promptly repaired to the island of Scheria, and when the ship came in sight of the town he transformed it intoa towering rock, that it might hide the island from mariners and thePhæacians would no longer be tempted to escort strangers to theirhomes. 

The ship had gone, and it was broad daylight when Odysseus awoke. He did not recognize his own country, he had been away from it forsuch a long time, and besides that, Athena had spread a dense fogover it. His first thought was that the Phæacians had deceived himand left him on an unknown shore. He began to accuse them of treachery, and prayed to Zeus to punish them. He looked around and found thathis gifts had been carefully placed, so he knew that he had not beenrobbed. He counted his gifts and examined them. 

There were tripods and vases of gold and brass and beautifulhand-woven garments. He paced up and down the shore and wept and wailedaloud. Then Athena appeared to him disguised as a shepherd lad. 

When Odysseus saw her, he hastened to her and said: "Hail, fair youth!I am a stranger and find myself for the first time in this place. I entreat thee to tell me the name of this country, and what kindof people inhabit it. " The goddess answered him: "Truly, stranger, thou must come from a far-off land that thou dost not know Ithaca, which is known from the rising to the setting of the sun. 

"It is indeed a stony island but it is not barren, nor is it a goodplace for raising horses. It is rich in grain and grapes. It has anabundance of dew and rain, and most delicious wine is made here. Nowhere can be found handsomer goats or finer cattle. Every kind oftree grows in its forests, and its springs are never dry. The fameof Ithaca has reached even as far as Troy itself which, I am told, lies far from Hellas. "

Odysseus was overjoyed to find that he was in his own country. Buthe did not venture to tell his name to the shepherd, nor whence hecame. Instead of that he told a long story that he came from Crete, which he had been obliged to leave because he had killed the King'sson, who had robbed him. 

Athena smiled and, assuming the form of a beautiful woman, took himby the hand and said: "Thou crafty man, why dost thou tell such lies?Dost thou not know Athena, daughter of Zeus, who has protected theeeverywhere and saved thee from all danger? I have just come againto assist thee in hiding thy treasures and to tell thee what thoumust encounter in thine own palace. But thou must not repeat anythingwhich I tell thee, nor make thyself known to any man or woman. Andthou must bear many indignities in silence until the right time comes, for there are many violent men in thy halls. "

Odysseus's heart was filled with joy. He knelt down and kissed thesoil of his native land. "Tell me, is it true, " he said, "that I amin my own beloved Ithaca? I pray thee, goddess, do not jest with me. "

"Thy native land! Such ever is thy thought, " answered the goddess. "Any other man would have hastened with all speed to his wife andhome. But thou must wait and come not at once into the presence ofPenelope. She sits within thy palace, weeping night and day becausethou dost not come. Hide thy gifts here in this grotto, and I willtell thee what to do next. "

With a glad heart Odysseus saluted the nymphs of the cave and spring:"Hail to you, nymphs of my native land, daughters of Zeus! I thoughtI should never see you again. I shall bring you rich gifts in daysto come, if it please Athena to keep me from harm. " After he had carriedthe presents into the grotto and carefully hidden them, he sat downwith the goddess among the gnarled roots of the olive-tree, and theylaid plots to destroy Penelope's impudent suitors. Athena told himabout the trouble they had caused her; how they had establishedthemselves in her own home, trying to win her for a wife. For threeyears the noble Penelope had kept these arrogant men in suspense, deluded with empty hopes, while she waited for her husband's return. When Odysseus heard these words he was greatly disturbed, and said:"Woe is me! I might have been slain in my own home but for these timelywords. Now I am forearmed. Stand by me, I pray, in my great need, and give me strength to meet my enemies. If thou art my helper, Ican resist, single-handed, three hundred foes. "

"Take courage, " said the goddess. "But to carry out our plans I mustchange thee to a miserable old man with a wrinkled face and clad inragged garments, so that no one can recognize thee. 

"Then must thou go to thy faithful swineherd, Eumaios, who loves thywife and child and thy whole house. 

"Thou wilt find him as he feeds the swine on acorns in a field nearthe mountain, Korax, and the spring, Arethusa. He will tell thee allthe doings in thy house. Meantime I will take my way to Sparta. Telemachos, thy son, is there. He went to visit Menelaos and try tofind out if there were any news of thee. I will call him to returnto Ithaca. "

The goddess touched Odysseus with her magic wand. At once he shrankand withered into a wrinkled, shabby, old beggar. Then she gave hima staff and a tattered sack and sent him to his loyal swineherd whileshe took her way to Sparta. 

[Illustration: ALPHEUS AND ARETHUSA]

CHAPTER XXVIIIODYSSEUS SEEKS THE SWINEHERD

Odysseus left the haven by a narrow stony path and took his way tothe dwelling of his faithful swineherd, who thought more of thewelfare of his master than did all the rest of the servants whomOdysseus had. He found him seated in the yard which he himself hadmade of stone for the swine of the absent King, and had enclosed witha thick hedge of thorns. He had driven strong posts of oak aroundit, also. Inside the yard he had made twelve sties, and in each stythere were fifty sows with their little ones. The males were keptoutside and were fewer in number, for Eumaios was compelled to senda very fat one to the suitors every day, and therefore there wereonly eighteen score. 

Near them were four large savage dogs as guards. They were more likewolves than dogs. Eumaios was busy making a pair of sandals from anox-hide, for his own use. The other swineherds had gone on errands, three of them to drive pigs to pasture, while the fourth had takena hog to the suitors in the city. 

When the dogs saw Odysseus they barked and rushed upon him, and theywould have torn him to pieces, but Eumaios drove them off with stonesand said: "Thou poor old man, the dogs came very near tearing theelimb from limb, and that would have been a great shame and sorrowto me. 

"The gods have already sent me trouble enough. Here I sit weepingand mourning for my beloved master, and take care of his swine inorder that strangers may eat them. Who knows where he may be wanderingas a beggar among people who speak another tongue? But come, old man, let us go into my lodge and eat, and then thou mayest tell me whothou art and what misfortunes thou hast suffered. "

Odysseus followed the swineherd into the cabin. Eumaios threw anarmful of rushes on the floor and covered it with a rug of goat-skinand bade his guest be seated. 

Odysseus was gratified at this kind reception, and said to theswineherd: "May Zeus and all the other immortal gods give thee, myhost, all the good of earth for thy hospitality. "

The good swineherd answered him: "My guest, I should consider it agreat sin not to receive a stranger hospitably, even if he lookedmore miserable than thou. Strangers and beggars are children of Zeus. The hospitality I can extend to thee is slight but sincere, forservants have little to offer, especially when, like me, they havenew masters. Odysseus loved me much. Would that the gods might sendhim back to us. He would have paid me for my toil. He would have givenme a home, a little land, and a wife. But he is dead. May the wholerace of Helen be destroyed, for it was she who brought noble men todestruction. "

The swineherd drew his belt around him and hastened to the pen wherethe pigs were shut up. He seized two little pigs and slew them androasted them on a spit over the fire. He sprinkled salt over the savorymeat and brought it to Odysseus. And he brought delicate wine in awooden cup, as well. 

Then he said: "Eat, stranger, for this is the best I have to give. The suitors, who fear neither god nor man, eat the fat hogs. Theygorge themselves with the costliest food in the house, both wine andmeat, and only these little lean porkers are left for us. Yet thereis still an abundance, for my master was very rich. He had twelveherds of horned cattle and as many swine on the mainland, and twelveflocks of sheep and goats. Here, on the island, graze eleven flocksof goats, tended by as many trusty herdsmen, each of whom has to senda fattened goat for the table of the suitors every day. As for myself, I take care of these swine, and each day I choose the best to sendto the city. "

Odysseus ate the flesh and drank the wine while Eumaios was tellinghim these things, and could hardly keep from giving vent to his anger. But he kept silence and meditated vengeance on the suitors. When themeal was done he said: "Tell me, I pray thee, all about thy rich andkind master. Thou didst say that he went out with Agamemnon to fightthe Trojans. Perhaps I know him and can give thee some informationconcerning him. "

The noble swineherd answered: "Be silent, aged man, for we have ceasedto believe the tales told us by wanderers. Every beggar who comesthis way calls on my mistress and tells her falsehoods about seeingOdysseus, and tries to make her think that he will come home in ashort time. Then she treats him kindly and loads him with gifts. 

"How shall we know but thou dost make up just such a story in orderto receive a tunic and a mantle? It is a fact that my master doesnot return. Who knows on what spot of the earth his bones aremouldering, or what dogs and birds have devoured him? I shall nevercease to grieve for him. He loved me as he would have loved a son. I shall never find such a kind master again. Even my father and motherwere not so good to me. Although he will never be with us any more, I keep on doing his will. "

[Illustration: THE SWINEHERD TELLING HIS STORY TO ODYSSEUS]

Odysseus replied: "Thou dost see that I am half naked for want ofclothing, but I will never take a reward, even though I am in rags, until Odysseus is really here. I hate the wretch who tells lies toenrich himself as I hate death. I call Zeus to witness, and thishospitable board and the hearth of Odysseus, that what I tell theewill come true. Odysseus will be here at the end of this month, andhe will be avenged on those men who have robbed him and insulted hiswife and son. "

"And yet I will not give thee any reward for thy news, old man, " saidEumaios, "for Odysseus is dead. He will never come again. Drink inpeace and let us talk of other things. Do not take this great oath, as much as we wish--Laertes, Penelope, Telemachos, and I--thatOdysseus might come. But now, as if we had not troubles enough, anew one has come upon us. I know not what evil demon put it into themind of Telemachos to go to Sparta to inquire about his father. Andthe ungodly suitors have sent out a ship to watch for him, and killhim on his return. We shall lose him, too, if Zeus does not hold aprotecting hand over him. 

"But tell me, dear old man, from what country dost thou come? Whoare thy parents? Tell me of thy toils and sufferings. "

The time had not yet come when Odysseus thought it best to revealhimself. He wanted to stay with the swineherd until his son shouldreturn, and he had had the opportunity of making the best plan forridding his house of the suitors. So he told the swineherd a longstring of stories. He said he was a son of the King of Crete; thathe went to Troy, where he met Odysseus and fought by his side. Returning, he wandered about, and, after many adventures, metOdysseus again getting ready to return to Ithaca. As for himself, he had been robbed even to his clothing and cast on this island. 

He told the tale so well that the swineherd believed him, and evenkilled a fat hog in his honor. And he made him welcome to his lodgeand prepared a good bed for him near the fire, and covered him withgoat-skins. The night was cold and damp, and a cutting wind was blowingoutside. The other servants lay down near Odysseus to sleep, butEumaios took a sharp sword and thick mantle and went out near thepens to watch the swine all night. Odysseus saw with gratitude howfaithfully this servant attended to his duty. 

PART IIITHE TRIUMPH OF ODYSSEUS

CHAPTER XXIXATHENA ADVISES TELEMACHOS

At the time when Odysseus was wrecked, after his comrades had eatenof the cattle of Hēlios, and he was cast up on to the island of Calypso, Athena prayed to Zeus, her mighty sire, that he might be restoredto Ithaca, his native land. She prayed that Hermes, the messengerof the gods, might be sent to Calypso with the express command thatshe should send Odysseus home. Zeus smiled and granted the request. 

Then Athena tied golden sandals under her feet and taking a long, heavy spear, she rushed like a whirlwind down from the heights ofOlympos and stood at the doorway of Odysseus' house, among the menof Ithaca. She found the haughty suitors assembled there eating anddrinking. 

Telemachos saw the goddess before anyone else. She was disguised toresemble Mentor, a wise chief who had led the Taphians in the Trojanwar. Telemachos rose at once, like a gracious host, and took the righthand of the stranger and gave him a hearty welcome. Athena saw withanger how the ungodly wooers ate and drank and rioted gluttonously, while the servants of Telemachos were obliged to administer to theirwants. Some of them were kept mixing the wines and water in largecraters; others had to clear and clean the tables, and others againprepared and carved the meats and carried them round to the suitors. 

Telemachos led the stranger away from this noisy hall, that he mightnot be annoyed by their boisterous behavior. He bade him sit downon a throne, and placed a foot-stool under his feet. Then he drewhis own chair from among the suitors and sat near the stranger, hopingto hear news of his absent father. A maid brought a silver pitcherand basin and let the stranger wash his hands. A table was placedbefore him, laden with the choicest viands, while a herald filleda goblet with wine for him. When they had enjoyed their meal, Telemachos asked the stranger his name and country. 

"I am Mentor, son of the Taphian King, " said Athena. "I came herein my ship with a crew of friends, on a journey to the Isle of Cyprus, in search of copper, and I brought iron to give in exchange. I aman old friend of Odysseus. I have left my ship in the bay, back ofthe forest. Laertes will tell thee who I am. It is said that he doesnot come to the palace any more, but lives alone in the country, mourning over the loss of his son day and night. It seems that thegods have long delayed Odysseus. Who knows where he is? I am surethat he is not dead. And now tell me, what feast is going on here, and who are these men? Are they invited guests? Is it a banquet Isee, or is there to be a wedding? It is not a pleasant sight in anycase, for the men are coarse in their actions and ungodly in theirspeech. Every friend of Odysseus must feel sad to see them in thisplace. "

"As long as my father was here, " answered Telemachos, "our house wasrespectable and rich. But the gods have forsaken us, and we aredestined to destruction. No news of my father's death has ever reachedus; nevertheless, all the young men of the first families of Ithacaand the surrounding isles flock to our house and seek my mother fora wife and squander my father's riches. My mother does not favor theidea of another marriage, and has not promised herself to any of thesuitors. She fears them, and so she does not reject their suits, yetshe will not end the trouble by marrying one of them. They will notgo away, but make themselves at home here and eat up my inheritance. They only want a favorable opportunity to kill me. "

Athena grew angry at this, and said: "I would that Odysseus mightcome this very moment to chastise these atrocious fellows. Woe tothem if he should appear at the door with his helmet and shield andtwo tough spears, just as he looked when I first beheld him in myown home. Then these suitors would find a bitter marriage-feast anda speedy end. Vengeance, however, rests with the gods. 

"Now, let me consider the best way to get these suitors out of thehouse. As an old friend of thy father, let me advise thee. To-morrowcall thy people together in council and tell the suitors to depart. If thy mother has any inclination to wed again, send her to herfather's house. He is rich and powerful, and can give her a splendidwedding, such as is suitable for the daughter of a king, and bestowan ample dower. 

"Then launch thy finest ship. Man it with twenty good oarsmen andput out to sea in search of thy father. Sail to Pylos first and consultwith Nestor, and go to Sparta next and see Menelaos, who has returnedfrom Troy recently. Stay with him awhile if he can assure thee thatthy father lives. But if he tells thee that thy father is surely dead, return as quickly as possible and build a mound to him, and causethe altar to be piled high with sacrifices and the funeral games totake place. Then let thy mother marry again. 

"Thou art no longer a child, and it is not seemly to allow suchindignities. Be brave and act without fear, that men may honor thee. When thou hast performed these deeds, let thy care be to drive outthe suitors. But now I must return to my ship, for my companions willbe uneasy over my long absence. "

"Thou hast spoken to me as a father speaks to a son, " answeredTelemachos. "I shall bear thy words in mind. And now I pray thee stayawhile to rest and bathe. I cannot let thee go to thy ship withoutsome handsome gift, such as one always bestows upon an honored guest. "

"Telemachos, do not detain me longer, " replied Athena. "I must departat once. Keep thy gift until I return, and then I will take it tomy home. " She vanished as she spoke, and all that Telemachos saw wasa fleet-winged bird flying upward high in the air. Telemachos wasastonished, and knew that he had been talking face to face with somedeity. He thought over all that the goddess had told him, and resolvedto do exactly as he had been instructed. 

CHAPTER XXXTELEMACHOS ASTONISHES THE WOOERS

The feast continued. The wooers ate and drank but were silent, foran illustrious bard was singing to them of the Trojan war. Telemachoswalked forth in the midst of them, his heart inspired with courage. Penelope had heard the song as she sat in her chamber over the hall, and she came down the lofty stairway attended by two maids. Sheimplored the bard, with tears to change the song, since it was theone most sacred to her and made her sad. 

Then said Telemachos: "My mother, let thy heart be strong to bearthis song which all men love. The bard must sing the song with whichhe is inspired. Retire now, I pray thee, to thy room, and take thymaids with thee. There teach them to spin and weave--a task meet fora princess. But leave to me the ordering of the feast and the careof the suitors. Such a duty belongs to a man, and the authority ismine. " Penelope was amazed at his words. She withdrew to her own roomswith her attendants and wept and mourned for her absent lord untilshe fell asleep. 

When the minstrel had finished his song, the suitors began to be noisyand riotous again. Telemachos could no longer restrain himself. "Yeinsolent suitors of my mother, " he said to them, "cease your uproar. Your lawlessness knows no bounds. To-morrow I will call a generalassembly of all the Ithacans and warn you to depart. If ye remainin my house wasting my goods and eating food that is not your ownI will call down vengeance from the gods, and ye shall die in thisvery palace. "

The suitors were astonished at his courage and his words. He had neverbefore spoken out with authority. Antinoös and Eurymachos, the mostinsolent of them, began to ridicule him and excite the others to makefun of him. And they asked Telemachos what guest he had beenentertaining so secretly and what news he had brought from his father. The suitors danced and sang, eating and drinking, until evening, before they went home. 

Telemachos then sought his own couch. His old nurse, Eurycleia, ledthe way with two torches. She had been a faithful servant since Laertes, in his early manhood, had bought her for the price of a hundred oxen. 

Telemachos sat down on his bed, and removing his tunic handed it tothe nurse, who folded it and smoothed it and hung it up. He lay downand covered himself with soft fleeces, while Eurycleia went out andcarefully locked the door. But sleep did not come to him. All nighthe thought of what the coming day would bring. 

CHAPTER XXXIPENELOPE'S WEB

The next morning, at dawn of day, Telemachos rose from his bed andput on his garments. He hung his sword over his shoulder and fastenedhis sandals on his feet and strode bravely forth. He summoned hisheralds at once and bade them call a council of the Ithacans. Thepeople came at the appointed time, and Telemachos, sceptre in hand, took his place before the assembly and called it to order. 

"I have not summoned you, my friends, " he said, "in order that yemay see some entertaining show, but out of dire necessity. I bringno news of war and I have nothing to say that concerns the publicgood. You all know the grief which has befallen me on account of myfather, your king and leader, who loved you as a parent loves hischildren. But Odysseus is gone and there is no hope of his return. This misfortune is not enough, for every day the young men of theleading families of Ithaca and the surrounding isles meet in my houseand vex my mother with unseemly and importunate offers of marriage. 

"There they are now installed, eating our food, drinking our wine, and wasting our money, for Odysseus is not here to drive them out. I have no way of expelling them from my home. My friends, considerthese wrongs and help me to drive these robbers from the house ofyour king. It would be a shame to the people of Ithaca if it werenoised around that they left the son of their chief in the hands ofplunderers without giving him help. "

Thus spoke Telemachos, the tears running down his cheeks, and he threwthe sceptre on the ground. The people were greatly moved, and feltpity for the youth who had to suffer such wrongs, but they were silent. Only Antinoös, the most insolent of the suitors, took up the wordand said: "Shameless Telemachos, how dost thou dare to chide us forthis state of things! Thy mother is the one to blame. She has beenleading us on for three whole years. She is skilful and crafty. Shepromised, three years ago, to choose one of us for a husband as soonas she should finish the winding-sheets for old Laertes in case ofhis death. 

"Then she began to weave upon her loom a dainty web of vast lengthand width. And she said to each one of us: 'Do not urge me to marry, I pray, until I finish these shrouds for the hero Laertes, when hishour of death shall come. I have spun an abundance of fine thread, and it must not be wasted. Besides that, the dames of Greece wouldspeak ill of me if I should leave my husband's father without a shroud, for he has had great wealth all his life. ' In this way Penelope gaveus hope, and we were too generous to persist in forcing her to chooseat once. 

"She went on in this way, weaving the great web by day, and everynight she unravelled by torchlight all that she had woven by sunlight. She has deceived us long enough. We have discovered her fraud; fora woman who has seen her unravelling the web has told us all aboutit. She must finish the work and make her choice among her suitors. If thou dost wish us to leave thy house, thou shalt send thy motherto her parents and let her father command her to marry one of us, according to her choice. When this is done no one will disturb theeany longer. 

"If, however, Penelope prefers to treat the noble sons of Greece withsuch malice and craft, we will go right on consuming thy goods. Shewill thus make a great name for herself, but she will impoverish thee. "

"I shall never send my mother away from her husband's house, " rejoinedTelemachos. "Living or dead, my father is in distant lands, and ifI should dismiss his wife of my own will, I should invite the hatredof the gods on my guilty head. She would call upon the Furies to hauntme; all men would curse me; and her father would demand amplesatisfaction of me. I will never speak the word to send her forth. Now, get you gone and cease squandering my riches or I will call downthe wrath of the gods on you. "

Having said this, Telemachos sat down, and Zeus sent two eagles flyingover the heads of the wooers, close to each other. They looked downupon the crowd of people and tore each other's heads and vanished. The Ithacans saw the deadly omen, and a venerable prophet among themstood up and said: "Noble youths, I advise you seriously to departfrom this royal house, for this is a sign that Odysseus is cominghome. Woe to you if he finds you in his palace. You will all meeta direful end. "

Eurymachos answered him: "Old man, keep thy advice and thy forebodingsfor thine own children. We do not need them. Advise Telemachos tochange his mind and send his mother home to her father, instead ofprating foolishly to us. As long as he keeps her here we shall continueto consume his wealth, until he has nothing left. And we will punishthee severely if thou dost incite this young man to violence. "

Telemachos, thinking it best to be discreet, replied: "Now hear me, Eurymachos, and all ye suitors. Give me a good ship and twenty men, that I may go from land to land in search of my father. If I findthat he lives and may return, I will wait one year longer for himto reach home. But if I hear that he is not alive, I will come backand build a mound to his memory and give him a funeral worthy of sucha king. Then shall my mother make her choice and wed. "

Mentor, the stanch friend and adviser of Odysseus, sat among theIthacans in the assembly. When he saw how Telemachos was put to shame, he grew angry. He rose to his feet, and addressed the people: "Noking ever again should be wise and good. He should be hard and unjust, since no one of you has enough love for Odysseus to stand by his son. I am less ashamed of the impudent suitors, than I am of the weaklingswho see what they are doing and who dare not interfere. "

"Foolish old Mentor, " said one of the suitors, "what art thou saying!If Odysseus, himself, should come hither, he would not be able todrive us out. If anyone thinks himself strong enough to do it, lethim try it. Ye Ithacans disperse to your homes, and leave Mentor toprovide the boy with a ship. " So saying he dispersed the crowd, andthe wooers all went into the palace to continue their revelry. 

CHAPTER XXXIITHE JOURNEY OF TELEMACHOS

Telemachos left the assembly and went down to the sea-shore alone, and washing his hands in the surf called on the goddess who hadappeared to him the day before to come to his assistance. At onceAthena stood by his side in the guise and with the voice of Mentor. She urged him to hasten his journey. Telemachos took new courage, and returned at once to his house where he found his old nurse, Eurycleia, alone. He revealed to her his intention, and asked herto assist him in getting everything ready for the journey. He badeher draw twelve jars of the best wine, and twelve skins of the finestmeal to put aboard the ship. 

When the old nurse heard this she wept and beat her breast. "Dearchild, " she said, "who has put such a thought into thy mind? Whyshouldst thou, an only son and well beloved, wander off to a distantland? Be warned by what thy father had to suffer because he left hisown country. The suitors will plot to kill thee and divide thy wealth. Stay here, at home; there is no need that thou shouldst venture overthe fearful sea. "

Telemachos answered her: "Take courage, my good nurse; this journeyis advised of a god. Do not let my mother know of my departure foreleven or twelve days, lest she weep and mourn. "

The nurse promised most solemnly that she would keep his secret andexecute his orders. She drew the wine into the jars and filled thestrong skins with meal. Meantime, Athena, blue-eyed goddess, takingthe form of Telemachos, went through the city and urged the men torepair to the ships at sundown, for she had chosen the best boatsin Ithaca for the youth, and found for him a crew that was glad toserve him. 

Then the blue-eyed maid went to the palace and poured sleep upon theeyelids of the drunken suitors. They gladly sought their beds in theirown homes. Taking the form of Mentor, she next appeared to Telemachosand bade him follow her to the beach. When they reached the galley, he found his comrades waiting. They hurried up to the palace for thewine and meal, which they soon brought to the ship and stored in thehold. Then the crew slipped the cables which held the ship to theshore. Athena took her seat at the stern and Telemachos sat near her. The sails were spread and the sailors began to ply their oars. Athenaraised a favorable breeze and the vessel glided forward cutting herway through the roaring waters. 

CHAPTER XXXIIITELEMACHOS IN PYLOS

At sunrise the ship arrived at Pylos. The people of that town wereall assembled on the shore, where they were sacrificing coal-blackoxen to Poseidon. Some were burning fat upon the altar, and otherswere distributing food among those who were offering up the sacrifices, while all were eating. 

The Ithacans touched land. Telemachos and Athena disembarked, leaving the crew to guard the ship, and went up to the crowd. On theway Athena cheered Telemachos and advised him what to say to the people. When they had come near enough to the inhabitants to be seen by them, the people rose and came to meet the strangers. First of all, theson of Nestor, Peisistratos, approached and took each of them by thehand and led them to the feast. He bade them be seated near his fatherand brought them the choicest meat. 

After the strangers had eaten, Peisistratos filled a golden gobletwith wine, and handed it to Mentor, as the elder. Mentor was pleasedwith the young man's good breeding and he took the goblet and pouredout a part of it on the ground as a sacrifice to Poseidon, with aprayer for a safe return. Then he handed the goblet to Telemachos, and he did likewise. 

When the feast was over, Nestor, the King of Pylos, said to his guests:"The time has come, dear strangers, when it is fitting to ask yournames, and from what land you come. Do you roam the seas as pirates, or do you come on an errand?"

"We are Greeks, " said Telemachos. "We come from Ithaca to seek tidingsof my father, the unfortunate Odysseus, who went to war against Troywith thee and the other Greek chiefs. We have never heard anythingof him during all these long years and do not know whether he is livingor dead. I pray thee tell me anything thou may'st know about him, and conceal nothing. "

"My son, " Nestor replied, "thou dost call to mind the great sufferingsborne by the men of Greece ere we succeeded in conquering Priam'stown. It would take years to tell thee of the brave deeds of the Greeks, how they fought and where they fell. We passed nine years in worryingthe enemy, and there was no man who gave better counsel or performednobler deeds than did Odysseus. Art thou then his son? I look on theein wonder. Yes, thou art like him. How strange to hear so young aman speak as he did!

"After the destruction of Troy, the surviving Greeks embarked, andwe set out for home. But when we reached Tenedos, thy father returnedto Troy to join Agamemnon and the others, who had stayed behind, toappease the wrath of Athena, for a Greek had committed sacrilege inher temple. 

"Our voyage was prosperous, and we all reached home except Menelaos, who wandered about in Crete and Egypt for a long time. It is saidthat the noble son of Achilles returned home safely, and thatAgamemnon was slain in his own house, and his son took vengeance onhis murderers. There is a rumor, too, that many suitors hang aboutthy mother, and, in spite of thy remonstrances, consume thy riches. Be brave, my son, and yield not. Odysseus may come again. Go at onceto Menelaos, for he may have news of thy father. I will give theeswift horses and a chariot, and my sons will drive. "

All day Telemachos discoursed with Nestor, and when the sun went down, they poured wine on the earth and burned an offering to the gods. Telemachos and Mentor arose to retire to their ship, but Nestor beggedthem to be his guests and go to the royal palace. Mentor, as the elderof the two, excused himself, in order to join the crew, and suddenlydisappeared. Nestor recognized that Telemachos was attended by thegoddess, and offered a prayer to her. The assembly dispersed, andNestor, with his guest and his sons, retired to his palace. 

CHAPTER XXXIVTELEMACHOS IN SPARTA

Before the sun was fairly up, they all arose and seated themselveson the smooth stone benches that loomed up in the gloaming, whiteand shining, before the gates of the palace. Nestor bade one of hissons to prepare an offering to Athena, of the best heifer in the fields. He sent another son to call a skilled workman to plate the heifer'shorns with gold, and two others yet to bring the crew from the ship. He told the remaining two sons to bid the maids prepare a sumptuousfeast in honor of their guest. 

In a moment there was a busy scene. The heifer was brought up fromthe fields, and her horns were adorned with pure gold in hopes thatAthena would see it and be pleased. The sailors came from the ship, except two who were left as guards. The heifer was slain and partswere burned as an offering to the goddess, and cakes and wine alsowere thrown into the flames to complete the sacrifice. They roastedthe flesh on long iron forks with five prongs, and feasted upon it. 

Then Nestor said to his sons: "Bring now the chariot and horses andlet our guest depart in search of news concerning his renownedfather. " The horses were soon harnessed to the car, which was storedwith wine and bread and dainties fit for a prince. Telemachos climbedinto the seat. Peisistratos took his place beside him and graspedthe reins. The horses dashed off in high spirit, and Pylos was soonleft in the distance. All day the horses sped along. At night theyrested by the way and early the next morning went on again as swiftlyas before. As the sun went down they found themselves in Sparta, theland of plenty, and at the gates of Menelaos, the king. 

Here they found many guests assembled at the wedding banquet ofHermione, the daughter of Menelaos. That day she had been given asa bride to Neoptolemos, the son of Achilles. A minstrel was playinga harp and singing, while two dancers performed graceful feats togive life to the feast. 

One of the attendants of Menelaos saw the strangers drive up, andstepped out to see who was coming. Then he hastened back to Menelaosand told him that two strangers of princely bearing were at the palacegate, and asked if he should unharness their horses or send them ontheir way. Menelaos was vexed that any of his servants should be solax in hospitality, and told him he had acted like a foolish child, and reminded him of the gifts that had been showered on them whenthey wandered so long in foreign lands. And he bade him hasten tounharness the steeds, and give them oats and barley, and bid thestrangers welcome to the feast. 

Telemachos and Peisistratos were amazed at the beauty of the palace. They bathed in the marble baths, rubbed themselves with oil and puton the splendid tunics that were brought them. After that they enteredthe great hall, where each was seated on a throne near the king. Ahandmaid brought a golden pitcher and a silver bowl for their hands, and a table was placed before them laden with choice food. When theyhad eaten enough, golden beakers of wine were handed them, and thenthe monarch gave his hand to each of them, saying: "Ye have come ingood time, my friends. As soon as ye have finished your feast, I willask your names and whence ye come, for ye look like sons of kings. "

As they sat there Telemachos, bending his head toward Peisistratos, said, in a low tone, so that he thought no one else would hear: "Surely, O son of Nestor, the Olympian home of Zeus himself could not be moreglorious than this palace. See the gold and ivory, and shining brass. These things are beyond price in richness. " Menelaos caught the words, although he spoke so low, and said: "My sons, there is no palace thatcan compare with the home of the gods. The riches which you look atin astonishment I collected while wandering in Egypt and in Crete. I find no pleasure in them, however, for I found my brother, KingAgamemnon slain when I reached home. Would that the men who foughtbefore Troy had their share of this wealth! I often weep and mournfor them in my palace, and am unable to eat or sleep on account ofthe misery I have brought upon my friends. 

"For none of them do I mourn so much as I do for Odysseus, who sufferedthe most of all on my behalf. I would gladly give all my wealth, ifI only knew him to be safe. But we do not know whether he is deador living. How much his old father must have grieved for him. Howmany tears his wife, Penelope, must have shed, and his high-mindedson, Telemachos, what sorrow he has suffered. "

New despair filled the heart of Telemachos, and tears fell from hiseyes. He held his purple mantle to hide his grief and wept in silence. When Menelaos saw this, he at once suspected that the young man wasno other than the sorrowing son of Odysseus, and he felt perplexedfor want of suitable words. He could not decide whether to questionhim about his father, or to wait and let the youth speak out of hisown will. 

Just then Helen entered the hall from her high-roofed chamber, lookinglike a goddess in her dazzling beauty. She sat down at her husband'sfeet, while servants ran to bring the mat which she was weaving andthe distaff filled with fine-spun purple thread. Her fingers flewover the dainty work while she questioned the king: "Didst thou askthe strangers their names? It is not possible that there can be anyman so like to Odysseus except his son, as is this youth! I see himwith astonishment. His father left him at home a little babe, whenthe Greeks went forth to war for my sake. Is it not true that thisis Telemachos?"

Menelaos replied: "My wife, I think thou hast spoken truly. The youngman has the hands, the feet, and the features of Odysseus, and hecannot hide his grief at the mention of that hero's name. "Peisistratos took up the word and said: "He is, indeed, the son ofOdysseus, O king! My father, Nestor, sent me with him to inquire whatyou might know of the long-lost chieftain, and to beg you to givehim advice, for he has to suffer great wrongs in his house and thereis no one to assist him. "

Menelaos was heartily glad to hear that his guest was reallyTelemachos. But the remembrance of his old friend overcame him andhe wept bitter tears. "I thought when I was in Troy, " he said, "thatI should one day welcome Odysseus to my home. I would have given himland and cities and brought to Sparta all his people and his wealth. Then we would always have lived close together and nothing could haveparted us. But he has never returned. " The tears fell from his eyesand Helen wept as well. Peisistratos then said to Menelaos: "Son ofAtreus, my father says that thou art good and wise. Let us not, Ientreat, continue this sad discourse, since this is a day that shouldnot be given to lamentations. I lost a brother, also, at Troy. Butwe will honor these heroes at a proper time, with tears and by cuttingoff our locks. Let us not spoil the feast with mourning. "

They spent the rest of the day in making the festival as cheerfulas if there were no grief to be hidden, and when night came the ArgiveHelen ordered the servants to prepare beds for them in the porticoand cover them with tapestries, while she poured for them a soothingwine and dismissed them to their slumbers. The heralds led them totheir couches, where they found a welcome rest. 

CHAPTER XXXVMENELAOS RELATES HIS ADVENTURES

The next morning Menelaos rose from his couch very early, put on hisgarments, hung his sword over his shoulder, laced his sandals, andwent into his hall looking like a god. He sat down near Telemachos, and asked him to tell him frankly why he had come to Sparta. 

Telemachos then told him of the evil deeds of the suitors, and besoughthim to give him every possible clew to his father's whereabouts. Menelaos was indignant over the young man's wrongs. 

"Shame on the cowards who wish to rule over thy father's house, " hesaid. "Let Odysseus return and he will tear them to pieces as a liontears a young deer. Grant, O father Zeus, and Athena, and Apollo, that Odysseus may yet give those ungodly suitors a bitter weddingfeast. But I will tell thee of my travels and what was told me bythe Ancient Spirit of the sea. 

"It happened that the gods detained me many days in Egypt to sacrificeand do penance, for I had forgotten to make proper offerings to them. The island of Pharos lies just off the coast of Egypt. There I remaineduntil the daughter of the Ancient Sea King, seeing my distress, cameto my rescue. 

"My men and I had wandered over the island in search of food untilwe were nearly starved, when she discovered us, and told us that ourefforts would be useless unless we consulted with her father. 'Ifthou canst ensnare him and hold him in thy grasp, ' she said, 'he willtell thee how to reach thy home. He is a seer, and can tell thee allthat has taken place there during thy absence. At noon-tide he comesout from the ocean caves covered with brine, and lies down among thesea-calves, rank with the smell of salt. He counts them five at atime, and then he stretches himself out among them and goes to sleep. He is very shrewd, and when thou hast caught him he will struggleand take all sorts of forms to escape thee. He will turn into a reptile, and into fire and then will change to water. But hold him fast, andwhen he looks as he did when first perceived by thee, ask him howto find thy home. '

"The next morning, I sought the aged sea-god as I had been bidden. I took three old comrades whom I knew to be trusty, and we went downinto the depths of the sea. The goddess brought us four fresh hidesthat had just been taken from sea-calves newly slaughtered, and wedressed ourselves in them to deceive her father. She scooped outplaces for us to lie in on the sands and we waited for him to come. The smell was sickening and beyond endurance, so the goddess putambrosia under our noses. When the sun was highest in the heavens, the sea-calves came in groups and ranged themselves around in rowson the sand. The old seer came out and counted all, and did not noticeour fraud. Then he lay down to sleep. At once, we rushed upon himand caught him. He began to take all kinds of shapes. First, he wasa lion; then a serpent, a panther, a boar, a fountain of water, anda tree. We held on until he was tired of trying to escape. 

"At last he took his proper form, and began to question me. 'Son ofAtreus, ' he said, 'who hath taught thee how to make me a prisoner?What is it thou wouldst know?' 'Tell me what god is angry with me, O Proteus, ' I replied. 'Why am I detained on this island? Why canI not reach my home?' 'Thou didst not make acceptable sacrifices toZeus, ' said Proteus. 'And thou wilt never see thy home again untilthou hast offered up a hundred oxen to the immortal gods. '

"'I will perform that rite speedily, oh prophet, ' I replied. 'Buttell me about my comrades in the Trojan war. Did they reach home insafety?'

"Then Proteus told me all; how Ajax died amid his ships; how Agamemnonwas slain in his own hall; and of Laertes' son he said that he hadseen him sitting in a grotto on Calypso's Isle. There upon the rocksor at the ocean-side he weeps and mourns day after day, and gazesout upon the deep. His comrades are lost, and he has no ship withwhich to return to Ithaca. And after he had spoken he plunged intothe sea while I returned to my ships, offered up the hundred oxento Zeus and sailed for home. And now, Telemachos, I pray thee remainawhile with me, and I will dismiss thee with a chariot and swift horses, and a cup of priceless worth with which to pour libations to the gods. "

Telemachos took new courage when he heard that his father still lived, and begged that he might go back at once to Pylos to join his crew. In a moment all were busy in the palace of Menelaos preparing giftsand a feast that the youths might depart on the morrow. 

CHAPTER XXXVITHE CONSPIRACY OF THE SUITORS

One day while Telemachos was in Sparta, the guest of Menelaos, thesuitors were more riotous than usual. They diverted themselves inthe palace of Odysseus by throwing the discus and javelin. OnlyAntinoös and the handsome Eurymachos kept apart from them. Then Noëmon, who had given Telemachos his ship a few days before, approached themand said: "Antinoös, I would gladly know when Telemachos will returnfrom Pylos. I lent him my ship, and I need it for I intend to go toElis, where I have business. "

The suitors were completely taken by surprise, for they had not heardthat Telemachos had gone to Pylos. They thought that he was out atthe farm with his swineherd. Antinoös asked: "When did Telemachossail, and what crew did he take? Did he use force in getting thy shipor didst thou lend it willingly?"

"He was welcome to the ship, " replied Noëmon. "Who would not havedone such a service to a man who has had so much to endure? The youngmen who went with him belong to the best families of Ithaca. " Noëmoncould not get any news of Telemachos, so he went home; but the suitorsconspired to kill Telemachos. They decided that Antinoös should mana ship with a crew of twenty men, and lie in ambush in the watersnear Ithaca, in order that they might catch Telemachos, on his return. 

This wicked plot of the suitors was betrayed to the queen, by herfaithful herald, Medon. Penelope was overcome with grief, and weptbitterly, and her loyal attendants mourned with her. "What new griefis this which befalls me now?" she said. "Is it not enough that deathhas robbed me of my husband? Am I also to lose my only child, withouteven having seen him before his departure? Alas! why did no one tellme he was going, that I might have prevented his journey? Haste yeto Laertes and tell him what has happened, that he may make some planto upset this plot to destroy his heir, the son of Odysseus. "

Then Eurycleia, the nurse, tried to console her with these soothingwords: "My daughter, I will not hide the truth from thee any longer. I gave Telemachos a generous supply of food and wine, all that hecould use on his journey. And I promised him solemnly that I wouldnot tell thee of his departure, since he had a great dread that thouwouldst weep and mourn, and spoil thy lovely face and injure thy health. Now dry thy tears and bathe, and put on fresh robes. Then go to thinealtar in the upper chamber with thy maids. There pray to Athena andburn incense to her. Do not alarm good old Laertes needlessly. "

Penelope followed the old nurse's advice. She went to the altar, atthe highest part of the house, and there she prayed to Athena: "Hearme, daughter of Zeus! If ever my beloved husband has sacrificed tothee the fat limbs of oxen or sheep, and has built thee altars, savemy son, Telemachos, and destroy the suitors, who fain would destroyhim. " The goddess heard her prayer, and sent sweet slumber and apleasant dream to assuage her grief. In her sleep she saw her sister, who said to her: "Be of good cheer, Penelope; no harm will come tothy son, for a god goes with him. " To her, the wise Penelope, yetdreaming, answered: "My sister, why is it thou hast never come tome before? Thy home is far away. I weep because I have lost my noblehusband, and now his enemies conspire to slay my only son. " The dreamreplied: "Take heart. Do not fear. Athena sent me to tell thee thatshe will protect thy son. "

"Oh, tell me, " cried the queen, in her dreams, "tell me if my husbandlives, since thou art sent by a goddess. " But the shadow vanishedthrough the closed door, and mingled with the air. Penelope awokewith a glad heart, cheered by the prophetic dream. 

In the meantime the suitors spoke among themselves, for they weretoo foolish to understand the spirit of the queen. "Surely, " theysaid, "Penelope is making ready for her wedding. She does not suspectthat we have planned to kill her son. " "Do not deceive yourselves, my friends, " said Antinoös. "Be silent and act. " Then he chose twentymen, and they went down to a well-fitted ship, and took their placesat the oars. They waited until it was dark, when they quietly rowedout into a narrow strait, through which, they thought, Telemachoswas sure to sail on his return, and there they waited. 

CHAPTER XXXVIITELEMACHOS RETURNS TO ITHACA

Having encouraged Penelope, the goddess Athena sped to Sparta, whereshe found Telemachos, with Nestor's son, asleep upon the porch. Shestood beside his bed, and warned him that he ought to return home, since Penelope's father had given her counsel to wed the richest ofthe suitors, and had promised a generous dower. "Do not delay, " thegoddess said to him; "no one can tell what a woman will do to helpthe man she is to marry. 

"And also beware of the suitors, whom thou hast offended. They liein wait in the narrow passage between Samos and Ithaca. They hopeto catch thee on thy way home and slay thee. Do not go that way. Sailonly when it is dark. A god will watch over thee. When thou dost cometo the first harbor in Ithaca, disembark, and let thy crew go on inthe ship and take it back to the town. But thou shalt make thy wayto the hut of thy loyal swineherd, and he will take tidings of thysafe return to thy mother. "

Athena said this and vanished. Telemachos turned to Peisistratos andsaid: "Let us arise and set forth on our journey with all haste, ohson of Nestor. " But Peisistratos begged him to wait until it was fairlylight. Menelaos had slept lightly, he was so agitated with the greatevent of seeing his beloved comrade's son, and he rose as soon asit was light. Telemachos heard him approaching, and hastily threwon his tunic and cloak and went to meet him. 

Telemachos urged a hasty departure and Menelaos did not think itproper to try to detain him. He said: "A host is hateful who is tooaffectionate. It is as wrong to keep a guest who is in a hurry togo as it is to thrust a stranger out when he wants to stay. Let mebring thee costly gifts, and when thou hast had thy morning meal Iwill hasten thee on thy way. " The car was heaped with gifts, a goldengoblet, a silver beaker, a robe that glistened with hand-wroughtembroidery, the work of Helen, a goblet of silver with golden lips. Peisistratos gazed with wonder at their beauty as he placed them inthe car. 

They washed their hands in a silver bowl and ate and drank from thebounty which had been placed before them. Then they mounted the carwhich had been brought to the palace gates. Nestor's son took thereins, Menelaos poured wine on the ground, an offering to the godsfor their safety and prosperity, and off they sped over the plain. Two birds flew on before them, an eagle that had clutched a gooseand bore it off in its talons, a sign that Odysseus would come andput an end to the suitors, and this omen cheered Telemachos. 

All day the horses bounded on shaking their splendid harness. Theson of Nestor plied the lash. At night they rested in a friendly lodgeand the second day they reached Pylos. They drove directly to theship, lest Nestor, in his great love for his guest, should detainhim. With an offering and a prayer to Athena he set sail. A prosperingbreeze swept over the sea and bore them rapidly along. At nightTelemachos landed at the nearest port and sent the crew on to takethe ship to the town. 

CHAPTER XXXVIIITELEMACHOS AND THE SWINEHERD

When daylight appeared Odysseus and Eumaios rose from their beds andsent the serving men out into the fields with their swine, but theythemselves remained at home and prepared breakfast. In a little whilethey heard footsteps outside. The dogs pricked up their ears andwagged their tails without barking. 

Odysseus, perceiving this, said to the swineherd: "There must be somefriend of thine coming, since the dogs do not bark. " The words hadhardly passed his lips when Telemachos entered the hut. Eumaiosstarted to his feet and hastened to welcome his young master. He tookhim in his arms as a father would a son who had been away a long time, and kissed his face and hands. 

Tears dropped from his eyes and he said: "My dear Telemachos, I didnot dare to hope ever to behold thee again. Come in that I may rejoicewith all my heart at seeing thee once more enter my cabin after thyreturn from a strange country. Seldom dost thou come to see thyservants, for thou dost live in town, where thou must watch the suitortrain consume thy wealth day by day. "

To this Telemachos made answer: "This is quite true, my father; butI come here to learn of thee how matters are at the palace. Is mymother there, or has some wooer won her for a bride?"

"Thy mother is still at home, " replied the sturdy swineherd. "Shehas a loyal heart, but she wastes her life in weeping. " Saying thishe took the lance from the young prince, who had come farther intothe cabin. Odysseus arose to give him his seat, but Telemachos saidto him: "Keep thy seat, stranger, I will sit elsewhere. "

Odysseus sat down again. The swineherd took an armful of twigs andcovered it with fleeces, and Telemachos seated himself upon it. Nexthe brought bread and meat and set them before his young master, who, when he had eaten, asked his faithful servant who the stranger wasand whence he came. 

"The stranger says that he came from Crete, " answered Eumaios. "Latelyhe has run away from a ship where he was robbed, and has come here. I leave him to thee, however; do with him as thou dost like. " "Thywords do not please me, Eumaios, " said Telemachos. "How can I receivea stranger in my house, since I cannot protect him there if any ofthe godless wooers insult him. It would be better for him to stayhere; and lest he be a burden to you I will send out food and clothesfor him, and I will help him to go wherever he wishes. "

To him the sagacious Odysseus replied: "My friend, I hear with griefthe story of thy wrongs. Art thou willing to let this go on? If Iwere as young as thou art I would lose my life before I would suffersuch things--thy guests insulted, thy servants beaten, thy richesthrown away, thy food consumed by gluttons. "

"Thy words are sharp, dear stranger, and I shall answer them withthe truth, " said Telemachos. "Thou dost not yet understand that thereis a great crowd of suitors; not simply five or ten. What can I dosingle-handed against such a multitude? But you, Eumaios, hasten tothe city, secretly, and tell my mother that I have returned and amstaying here. Then come back at once and let no one know where I am, for the lovers are plotting a bloody death for me. " The swineherdhastily bound his sandals on to his feet, took his staff, and hurriedoff. 

CHAPTER XXXIXTELEMACHOS RECOGNIZES ODYSSEUS

It was not long after Eumaios had left the cabin when Athena, in theguise of a beautiful woman, appeared to Odysseus and beckoned himto come outside. Telemachos was opposite to her, but he did not seeher, for the gods are not visible to all. Only Odysseus and the dogswere conscious of her presence. The dogs did not bark but ran intoa corner of the cabin, crouching and whining. Odysseus left the roomand stood before the goddess, who spoke to him in these words: "Sonof Laertes, of noble birth and great wisdom, make thyself known tothy son. Tell him all the truth. Advise with him how to put an endto that insolent crowd of suitors. I shall never be far from theemyself and will help thee. I long to see them attacked. "

When she had finished speaking she touched Odysseus with her goldenwand. That touch changed him instantly into a handsome, well-mademan in the full vigor of robust manhood. His rags became seemlygarments. His cheeks flushed with renewed health and the heavy beardon his chin grew dark again. After the goddess had done this shevanished and Odysseus went back into the lodge. His son glanced athim in amazement and then turned his eyes away from him lest he shouldirreverently look upon a god. 

"Stranger, " he said, "I think thou art an immortal whose home is inthe heavens, for thou hast been transformed in looks and garb. Letme bring a sacrifice and offer it to thee, together with beautifulgifts, and perhaps thou wilt be gracious to us and keep us from harm. "

Odysseus replied: "Nay, I am not a god, nor like the gods. I am thyfather, he for whom thou hast mourned and endured so many sufferings. "Saying this he kissed his son and wept. 

"I pray thee do not deceive me, " said Telemachos. "Thou surely arta deity and not my father. No mortal could change from a ragged oldbeggar to a young and stately man in a moment. "

Odysseus answered him: "Telemachos, it is not like a son to gaze uponthy father with astonishment. No other Odysseus will ever come intothis cabin. I am thy father. I have wandered twenty years in foreignlands, and now have come to my own home. Thou hast seen a miraclewhich Athena wrought, for she makes me look like a beggar or a kingas she pleases. The gods have all power to put men in high placesor to humble them. "

Odysseus sat down and his dear son approached him and threw his armsaround him in a loving embrace, and together they wept tears of joy. At last Telemachos inquired: "Dear father, in what ship hast thoucome, and what sailors brought thee hither? Thou couldst not havecome on foot. "

"The Phæacians brought me across the sea and left me sleeping on theshore in Ithaca, " replied Odysseus. "And they gave me rich presentsof gold, and silver, and brass, and embroidered garments hand-wovenfrom their own looms. 

"These have I hidden, and Athena has sent me to advise with thee howbest to destroy the arrogant crew of suitors that so long has robbedmy house and vexed my wife. Tell me now how many there are and whatkind of men, so that I can judge whether we two alone may attack them, or whether we need the help of others. "

"My father, " answered Telemachos, "thy sweet fame has resoundedthrough our halls, my whole life long. How often have I heard of thycourage and the strength of thy powerful arm. But how is it possiblefor us two to fight against such a multitude? Fifty-two of the wooerscome from one town with six servants. Twenty-four come from Samos, and twenty more from Zakynthos, and twelve from Ithaca. If we attackthem all I fear that we shall come to grief. It is better for us tolook around and find an ally. "

Again Odysseus made reply: "Dear son, take courage. Zeus and Athena, most powerful of the gods, are on our side. Early to-morrow thou mustgo to the city and mingle with the suitors. The swineherd shall leadme disguised as an old beggar to my palace. Keep down thy wrath ifthe wooers speak insultingly to me. Do not resent it except toadminister a gentle reproof, though they strike me with their spearsand abuse me with bad language. The day of their death is at hand. When Athena gives me the sign, I will nod to thee and thou shalt removemy weapons from the great hall to an upper room. Tell the suspicioussuitors that the arms gather too much dust where they now hang onthe walls, and besides that, a god has warned thee that in theirdrunken brawls, the wooers may harm each other. Let no one know ofmy arrival, not even Laertes, Eumaios, or my wife, Penelope. "

All day the illustrious father and his son conversed and laid theirplans. At noon they killed a yearling pig, and roasted it and madea hearty lunch. Once more Athena touched Odysseus with her wand andchanged him into a poor old beggar, that Eumaios should not recognizehim. At evening the swineherd returned. On entering his cabin he toldhis young master that the suitors had learned of his safe return toIthaca. Then he prepared a supper for them, and they ate and drankto their hearts' content, when they retired to rest. 

CHAPTER XLTELEMACHOS RETURNS TO THE PALACE

Early the next morning Telemachos rose, tied his shining sandals underhis feet, took his spear and stood ready to go to the city. He calledthe swineherd to him, and said: "Eumaios, I am going back to the townto see my mother. I know that she will not cease to be anxious aboutme until she sees me in my own home. Take this stranger there, too, where he may beg, and thus supply his wants. I cannot receive everypoor man into my own house; my trials are too great. It makes nodifference to me whether he likes it or not. I am forced to tell thetruth about it. "

"My friend, " said Odysseus, "I do not care to stay any longer. I thinkmyself it is better for me to go to the city, where a beggar may havea fair chance. I am too old to be of service here. Go thy way, myson, and let thy servant lead me hence, as thou hast commanded. Butlet me first warm me at the fire, for I am cold and the way is long. "

Then Telemachos went out of the lodge and sped toward the city. Hisold nurse, Eurycleia, was the first to see him, and she ran out towelcome him, and the other servants came around rejoicing. Next camePenelope, as beautiful as Artemis, and threw her arms about her son, and kissed him on his brow and eyes. "Hast thou indeed returned, Telemachos, my son? I never hoped to see thee again. Tell me aboutthy father. Hast thou any news of him? What has happened? What hastthou seen?" So did the queen greet her son. 

"Dear mother, do not waken my grief again, " Telemachos replied. "Ihave barely escaped a cruel death. But go to thy bath and put freshgarments on, and then pray to the gods and promise them greatsacrifices if Zeus will avenge our wrongs. " Penelope willingly didher son's bidding, but Telemachos betook himself to the market placeto show himself to the people. 

When Telemachos came into the public square the suitors throngedaround him with smooth speeches, but in their hearts they kept onplotting his death. He wanted them to see that he was in Ithaca, buthe did not care to be in their company, so he took his place amongsome friends of his father. One of the crew came up to ask where hemight deposit the splendid gifts of Menelaos, and Telemachos toldhim to hide them until the suitors had been defeated or had won thevictory. 

Then Telemachos came back to the palace in company with a strangerwho had joined his crew at Pylos, and they sat down near the queen, who was spinning. The servants brought them wine and food, and afterthey had eaten, Penelope begged that her son would recite to her thestory of his journey. In the meantime Odysseus and Eumaios had startedfor the city. When they reached the spring where the citizens of thecity went for water, they encountered Melanthios, a goatherd, drivinggoats into town. Two servants followed, helping him. As soon as hesaw Eumaios and his guest, he said: "Look! There is one knave leadinganother. Verily, the gods bring like and like together. Thou miserableswineherd, whither dost thou take that worthless beggar, thisvagabond who rubs his shoulders on every door-post, asking for crusts, eating gluttonously, and telling tales of woe?

"Just hand him over to me to guard my stables and clean my yard, andI will give him whey to drink, which will fatten his limbs. But workdoes not suit such a fellow. He would rather ramble idly about andbeg for food to fill his empty stomach. Let him once come to the palaceof Odysseus and the guests that woo the queen will fling footstoolsat him. " With that Melanthios kicked him in the thigh. Odysseushesitated a moment and considered whether it were better to slay thegoatherd with a blow from his staff, or whether he should submit tothe indignity in silence. The latter seemed the better course. 

But Eumaios grew angry and said: "Melanthios, wait till Odysseusreturns. He will give thee thy deserts, thou villain! All day longdost thou loaf in the city, leaving thy master's flocks to take careof themselves. " Melanthios answered him: "Just hear what this curhas to say! I shall take him off and sell him for a slave some day. Would that Telemachos might die this moment under the hands of thesuitors, and go down to Hades to join his father!" With these wordshe hurried off to the house of his master where he sat down amongthe crowd of wooers. 

CHAPTER XLIODYSSEUS IS RECOGNIZED BY HIS DOG

After awhile Odysseus and Eumaios came to the house. As they drewnear they waited a little to listen to the music, for a minstrel hadbegun a song, and while singing he played the lyre. "Surely, Eumaios, "said Odysseus, "anyone would know that this is the palace of a king. See how stately the structure is, and how spacious the court beyondthe massive gates! And there are walls and towers and countless rooms. No one but Odysseus could have built such a fortress. I hear the soundof the lute and perceive the tempting odor of roasting meat, and thereare crowds of guests coming and going. There must be a banquet within. "

Eumaios replied: "True, my friend, this is the house of Odysseus. Now, let us consider what we are to do. Shall I take the lead andgo in first, or wilt thou go first and let me follow?" Odysseus, thesagacious, made answer: "Go in before me, and I will follow by andby. "

They were standing near the stable doors while talking. The filthfrom the stalls of the mules and oxen had been piled there by slovenlyservants, who should have removed it day by day to fertilize the fields. There, on the unwholesome heap, a poor, neglected dog was lying, devoured by noxious insects and vermin. It was Argus, whom Odysseushimself had raised before he went to Troy. In times gone by, the youngmen of Ithaca had made him most useful in the chase. He had scentedthe stag, the hare, and the wild goat for them many a time. But nowthat he was old no one cared for him, and he was left to die. 

As soon as he saw Odysseus drawing near he pricked up his ears andwagged his tail. But he had not strength enough to get up and cometo his master, although he moved as if he would gladly have done so. Odysseus saw this and burst into tears, but he turned his face awayin hopes that Eumaios would not notice it. 

But the good swineherd saw it and so Odysseus questioned him: "Eumaios, what dog is this that lies upon this filth? He is well built, andsurely is of a fine stock. Is he fleet in the chase or a mere house-dogkept for show?"

"This dog, stranger, " answered Eumaios, "belongs to my dear master. If thou hadst only seen him before Odysseus went to Troy thou wouldsthave been astonished at his swiftness. He performed wonders in thechase. No wild animal was able to escape him. But his master has diedfar from home, and the careless servants will not even throw him abone. "

The swineherd passed on into the hall where the suitors sat, butOdysseus stood looking at the faithful beast, the only creature thathad recognized him. The joy of seeing his old master was too great, and Argus sank down and died. 

CHAPTER XLIIODYSSEUS COMES, A BEGGAR, TO HIS OWN HOUSE

Telemachos was the first to notice the swineherd entering the hall, and he made a sign for him to come and sit by him. Presently Odysseus, too, entered in the guise of a forlorn old beggar, and sat down nearthe door. Telemachos handed Eumaios a whole loaf of bread and as muchmeat as he could hold in his two hands, and bade him take it to thebeggar. And he told him to tell the poor old man to ask a pittancefrom every suitor present. 

Odysseus took the food, and after thanking Telemachos, prayed to thegods to give him everything good. Then he placed his food in a walleton the ground, and began to eat, while a minstrel entertained theassembly with sweet music. When the bard ceased his singing, thesuitors began a noisy conversation, and having a signal from Athena, Odysseus arose and went from one wooer to another asking alms. Eachone gave him something, and asked him who he was and whence he came. 

Melanthios, the goatherd, and the favorite of Eurymachos, wishingto make mischief, told them that Eumaios had brought the old man alongbut did not, himself, know who he was. Antinoös hearing this, said:"Eumaios, foolish swineherd, why didst thou bring that vile beggarhere? Are there not beggars enough to eat up the wealth of thy masterwithout him?"

Eumaios answered him most courteously: "Antinoös, though thou arthigh born thou art not well bred. Thou hast always spokencontemptuously to all the servants of Odysseus, but chiefly to me. Beggars come as they like. No one expects to invite them. Only peopleof rank are invited to a feast. But I heed not thy abuse so long asI can serve the wise Penelope and her powerful son. "

Then Telemachos, seeing that a quarrel was brewing, interposed: "Holdthy peace, Eumaios, make no words with Antinoös. He takes delightin ugly words. Nothing pleases him more than to stir up ill-feeling. Surely Antinoös, thou art a father to me when thou dost bid me turna stranger into the street and insult him. Pray let the old beggarapproach thee and receive a pittance, for thou shouldst not feaston the food belonging to others and never bestow any gifts. All thesuitors except thyself have given him a dole. "

Antinoös made response: "Telemachos, thou boaster, if each suitorwould bestow upon him such a gift as I will make, he would not comehere again very soon. " With that he seized a footstool and held itup where all could see it. The beggar approached him with a pitifulstory of wanderings and hardships. Antinoös spurned him saying: "Whatdemon hath brought this chattering beggar to spoil our pleasure? Getthee gone, or thou wilt soon be much the worse for coming. Thou arta bold and impudent old beggar. "

Odysseus withdrew, saying as he went: "How strange it is that so finea form can conceal so foul a mind. Thou wouldst not give even saltto a suppliant, nor a crust of bread from thine own table, withoutbegrudging it. But thou dost feed gluttonously at the table of anabsent chief. " Antinoös grew more angry, and rejoined: "Thou insolentbeggar, thou shalt not leave this hall unpunished. " With that heraised the footstool and struck Odysseus on the shoulder. The chiefstood like a rock, not in the least disturbed. But he made menacingmotions with his head and retired to the door, where he put down hiswallet and lifted up his voice to call down vengeance from the gods. 

Antinoös spoke again with insulting words, and one of the guestsrebuked him. He was so angry, however, that he did not heed it. Telemachos saw the blow, and could hardly restrain his anger. Wordwas carried to Penelope that a penniless stranger had been insultedand struck in her halls, and she said to her maids: "I would thatApollo with his bow might strike Antinoös down. "

Then she called the swineherd to her apartment and said: "Bring thebeggar hither. I should like to speak with him. It may be that hehas seen Odysseus, for he seems to have wandered far. "

The swineherd took the queen's message to the stranger, but he beggedthat he might not comply with the request until the suitors had leftthe house. "I knew Odysseus well, " he said, "but I dread these violentmen. Therefore, ask Penelope to let me wait until sunset when I cansit by the fire and warm myself, and tell her all that she shallinquire. "

The queen thought the beggar's answer was a prudent one, and wassatisfied. At sundown the swineherd left the palace to return to hishut. The suitors kept up the revel until late in the evening, andthen went home leaving Odysseus in his own palace. 

CHAPTER XLIIICONVERSATION OF ODYSSEUS AND PENELOPE

After the revellers had left the palace, Odysseus said to his son:"Now is the time to hide all these weapons where the suitors cannotfind them, when their hour of need shall come. If they ask for themtell them that the arms were losing their polish in these smoky rooms, and also that the gods had warned thee to remove them since somedispute might arise in which the wooers heated with wine and angerwould attack each other. "

Telemachos at once obeyed. He called his old nurse to see that theservants were in their own apartments and the doors of the palacemade fast while he removed the arms to an upper room. Then he retiredto rest, leaving Odysseus sitting by the hearth in the largedining-hall awaiting the arrival of Penelope. She was not long incoming. Her maids placed a chair, inlaid with silver and ivory, forher near the fire, and threw a large woolly rug before it for herfeet. 

The queen, stately as a goddess, took her seat there while her maidscarried away the dishes and food left by the suitors. They heapedgreat logs on the fire. Then Melantho, an impudent maid, said toOdysseus: "Art thou here, thou beggar! Begone, or I will take afirebrand and drive thee out!" Odysseus rejoined: "Such is the fateof beggars. They must wander far and take abuse. It is true that Iam ragged, but I am not unclean. Once I was rich and had my own palace. I often gave to beggars and I had many servants. But it pleased thegods to make me poor. Thou pert woman, surely the queen, Penelope, never taught thee, and thy bad conduct will not escape the eye ofTelemachos. "

Penelope saw and heard all this and the high-breeding of the beggardid not escape her keen notice. She turned to the saucy maid and said:"Shame on thee, thou bold creature. Thou dost know full well thatthis stranger has remained here at my own request, that I might inquireif he knows aught of my husband. "

Then the queen asked her matron to spread a rug for the poor old man. Odysseus sat down and Penelope began to question him. "Who art thou, stranger?" she asked. "Where is thy home? Whence hast thou come?"Odysseus answered her: "My gracious queen, I am the son of a kingand I come from Crete. I am a man of sorrows and have wandered far. But do not ask me of these things, for I do not wish to lament overunhappy days. 

"Strong ties of friendship bind me to Odysseus. Twenty years ago, when he went to Troy, I received him as a guest in my house, becausecontrary winds and a stormy sea had thrown him upon my island. I ledhim to my palace and gave him the best of food and wine. Twelve dayshe remained with me, both himself and his companions. On thethirteenth a favorable wind arose and they went on to Troy. "

Odysseus kept on inventing one tale after another, such as might seemprobable, and the tears rolled down Penelope's cheeks. Odysseus couldhave wept, too, when he saw how deep her loyalty and affection wererooted. The lady had no doubt of the genuine character of her guest, but she cautiously strove to prove the truth of his words, so shequestioned him yet farther, asking him to describe Odysseus and hiscomrades--how he looked and what dress he wore. 

Odysseus responded truthfully: "He wore a cloak of purple wool, withtwo clasps of gold, hand-wrought. The pattern showed a houndstruggling with a spotted fawn, intent to kill it. Besides this hehad on a delicate tunic of shining cloth, spun, doubtless, by hisqueen, for the women gazed at it in wonder. 

"He was accompanied by a herald named Eurybates, a hunchback witha dark complexion, but Odysseus seemed to value him above all therest, for he was a clever and a faithful man. "

When Odysseus had finished speaking, Penelope exclaimed, with a burstof passionate grief: "Stranger, I was moved to pity when I first sawthee in my halls, but thou shalt be held as an honored guest fromthis time forward. Thou hast spoken truly of the garments, for I shapedthe folds in them myself and put on the clasps. Alas! I shall neversee him again. It was a cruel fate that took him from me. "

Odysseus was deeply moved, and tried to speak consoling words. "Weepnot, " he said, "for grief will wear away thy beauty and thy health. Odysseus lives and will return. I met him lately on his homeward way, laden with wealth which he had gathered in the country of theThesprotians. 

"He will come alone, for his comrades were destroyed off the islandof Trinacria, for they had slain the oxen of the Sun. He would havearrived here before me, only that he stopped to consult an oraclewhether to come secretly or not. He is safe and will not long remainaway from thee. Here I take the great oath that Odysseus will comewithin a month. "

The wise queen answered him: "I would that thy words might prove true, O stranger, but the thought is deep in my heart that Odysseus is nomore. My maidens, lead this guest to the bath and spread a couch forhim where he can rest quietly, and to-morrow he shall share the morningmeal with Telemachos. "

Then said Odysseus to her: "Fair queen, I care not for fine coversand soft beds. Wilt thou permit me to lie down on the floor near thefire, as I am used to do? I care not for the bath, either, unlessthere is some old servant who knows how to give a foot-bath to agedfeet. "

CHAPTER XLIVEURYCLEIA RECOGNIZES ODYSSEUS

Penelope admired the prudence of the poor old beggar, and calledEurycleia, bidding her to bathe the stranger's feet as carefully asif they were the feet of her master. The nurse filled a bright brassbasin with warm water and knelt down to execute the command of herroyal mistress, saying: "My poor Odysseus! My heart is sore for him. Who knows but he may be wandering like thee, weary and footsore!Perhaps he is an object of ridicule among serving-women who will notsuffer him to come near the bath. 

"Stranger, I will wash thy feet for the sake of my absent master, and to please that gracious queen who has commanded me to do so; butmost of all because thou art in need of it through suffering. SurelyI never saw anyone who bore so close a resemblance to my lord as thou. "

Odysseus replied: "It has often been said that I look like Odysseusby those who knew us both, O aged dame. " Then he turned his feet awayfrom the light, for fear that Eurycleia would recognize a scar anddiscover who he was. But it was in vain, for as soon as she passedher hand over it she knew it. It was a scar that came where a wildboar had once torn the flesh when Odysseus was hunting on Parnassos. 

The old servant was so overcome with joy that she laughed and criedat the same time. She let his foot fall against the basin, which wasupset with a loud clang, while the water was spilled over the floor. She laid her hand on Odysseus' beard, and said in a voice tremblingwith emotion: "Dear son, thou art Odysseus. I knew thee the momentthat I touched the scar. "

Then Eurycleia turned to tell Penelope that her lord had come, forthe queen had not seen the upsetting of the basin. But Odysseus laidhis finger on the old servant's lips, and with his left hand drewher closer and said: "Be silent. Let no one know that I have come, for I must slay the suitors by stratagem. If they know that I am herethey will prevent me and destroy us all. "

The loyal handmaid arose to bring another basin of water. She bathedhis feet and anointed them. And he moved to the fire and took hisseat, while he pulled his ragged garments over the scar to hide it, lest it might betray him. 

CHAPTER XLVPENELOPE'S DREAM

When Odysseus was again seated by the hearth, Penelope began to speakto him further: "Stranger, one more question I must ask thee, andthen I will leave thee, for the hour of sleep is near. All day longI keep at my tasks to try to forget my grief, for the gods have visitedme with sore misfortunes. I teach my maids to spin and weave and carefor the palace. But when night comes strange dreams flit through mymind, and new sorrows spring up in my heart. 

"There are from day to day assembled in my home all the young menof the best families of Ithaca and the neighboring isles, who insistthat I shall choose one of them for a husband. But as I am not willingto comply, they remain in my house and destroy my property. I am notable to drive them out, and do not know how to help myself. Listento a dream I had the other night. Perhaps thou canst explain it tome. 

"I dreamt that there was a flock of twenty geese in my court-yard, and they picked corn out of the water and ate greedily. Suddenly aneagle swooped down upon them from above and broke their necks andtore them to pieces. Then he flew off, leaving them scattered aboutthe yard. I bitterly bewailed the loss of my geese, and so did mymaids. After awhile the eagle came back and, perching on the roof, said to me: 'Take courage, Penelope, this is no dream. The geese arethe wooers, but I, the eagle, am thy husband, and I have come to killthose impudent robbers that vex thee. '"

Odysseus answered her: "The eagle gave the right explanation, O lady. The dream could not have had any other meaning. Odysseus will comeand slay the wooers, and not one shall escape him. "

"Dreams do not always come to pass, " rejoined Penelope, "but Iheartily wish that this might be fulfilled. Be patient a little longer, for I have one thing more to say. To-morrow is a decisive day, forit may be the one that drives me from the palace. I shall proposea contest for my hand. Twenty years ago Odysseus set up twelve axes, one behind the other, in the court. Through the rings of the handleshe shot an arrow, although he stood at a great distance. I willchallenge the suitors to take the same bow and send the arrow throughthe rings as Odysseus did. He who succeeds shall lead me forth a bride, to his own palace. "

Odysseus responded: "Do not let the contest be put off. Odysseus willbe at hand a long time before any of the suitors can bend his bow. "

"Thy words, O stranger, are comforting, " said Penelope. "I could sitand listen to thee all night. But as thou art in need of rest, I willretire to my apartment, and the maids shall spread rugs before thefire for thee. " Penelope, having said this, went up to her room, hermaids following her, and she wept, thinking of her royal lord, untilAthena closed her eyes in sleep. 

CHAPTER XLVIATHENA ENCOURAGES ODYSSEUS

Odysseus was lying on his bed, but he could not sleep, for he wasthinking how he might destroy the suitors. Suddenly Athena appearedto him, and said: "Odysseus, why dost thou lie awake? Thou art inthine own house and near thy wife and child. " "All this is true, Ogoddess, " answered Odysseus. "But I am only one and the suitors aremany. How shall I, single-handed, meet this multitude of men?"

"Sleep in peace, Odysseus, " returned Athena. "To lie awake saps thelife and strength of men. The time has come when all thy sufferingsshall end. The gods protect thee and they are stronger than armedwarriors. " Thus spoke the goddess, and, closing his eyelids with sweetslumber, she flew up to Olympos. 

While Odysseus was sleeping, his wife had waked, and, sitting on herbed, addressed a prayer to Artemis: "Rather let me die, O goddess, than become the wife of any other man than Odysseus. The very thoughtvexes me day and night. Just now I had a dream. I seemed to see Odysseusjust as he was when he started out for Troy. I was so glad that Icould not believe that it was not a reality. "

She prayed aloud, and soon daylight appeared. Odysseus heard the voiceand it filled his heart with anxiety. He arose and hastily placedthe rugs on which he had slept on a bench in the palace. Then he wentout into the open air. Telemachos had risen also, and he went forthto the market-place. Eurycleia called the servants together andordered them to be quick about their work, for a festival was to becelebrated that day and the wooers would come early. 

There was a busy time. The menials obeyed, some bringing water, somesweeping the floors, others polishing the benches and covering themwith royal tapestries. The servants of the suitors came also and cutwood for the fires. Eumaios arrived early, driving three fat hogs. He saluted Odysseus and asked him if he were well treated by thesuitors, or if they continued to scoff at him. Odysseus answered him:"May the gods punish the ruthless men who perpetrate such wrongs ina stranger's home. " While they were talking together the goatherdjoined him, and repeated the sneers and abuse of the preceding day. Odysseus took no notice of it, except to shake his head as one whoplans direful things. 

The master herdsman now came along with a fat heifer and choice goatsfor the day's banquet. Offering his hand to Odysseus, he exclaimed:"Hail to thee, stranger! A long and happy life be thine! Methinksmy master must be clothed in rags and wandering like thee. Thou dostbring his image to my mind. I hope he may return and drive these suitorsout of his palace. " "Be sure that he will come, herdsman; thou wiltsee him with thine own eyes, when he slays the ruthless suitors, andthen thou wilt know who is lord of the palace, " replied Odysseus. 

The suitors were talking apart from the rest and conspiring to takethe life of Telemachos, when an eagle wheeled over their heads, tearing a timid dove. With hearts foreboding ill at this omen, theywent into the hall to begin the banquet, while the herdsman went hisway first saying, "When Odysseus comes, call on me, and I will showhow strong my arm is to deal a blow at his enemies. "

CHAPTER XLVIITHE LAST BANQUET OF THE SUITORS

The suitors had now arrived in the great banquet-hall and taken theirplaces at the tables. The servants brought bread and meat and placedit before them, while Melanthios filled their goblets with wine. Telemachos placed Odysseus near the door, and gave him an ample supplyof food, saying: "Eat and drink, stranger, without fear. None of thewooers shall assail thee, for I will stand guard. "

One of the suitors, an evil-minded man with a rich father, said tohis companions: "My friends, this stranger enjoys his meal greatly. It does not become any one of us to begrudge good things to the guestsof Telemachos. I, too, wish to give him a present, which he in turnmay bestow on some other beggar. " With that he seized an ox's footand hurled it at Odysseus. 

Odysseus dodged it by holding down his head. Telemachos grew angryand rebuked the suitor in these words: "Ktesippos, thou hast escapeddeath. It is well that this stranger avoided thy blow, for if thouhadst struck him, my sharp spear would have pinned thee to the wall, and thy father would have prepared a burial instead of a wedding forthee. "

Dreadful forebodings of woe began to fill the hearts of the suitors. Their speech became rambling and they laughed insanely. They ate anddrank like men deranged. 

Penelope now entered the great hall and took her seat upon amagnificent throne, right in front of the suitors. She heard themaudlin laughter and saw the gluttonous feasting as the revel ranhigh. Then Athena came and moved her mind to immediate action, andshe went up to the farthest chamber with her maids, where the armsof Odysseus were stored. His bow and deadly arrows, so long unused, were there, with rich treasures and perfumed garments. She wept asshe took the bow from its case and went out, followed by the servants, who carried down costly prizes, such as Odysseus gave when festivalswith games were held in his halls. 

She took her place, standing before the suitors, and addressed them:"Ye noble suitors, listen to my words. Cease to eat and drink andcome to the contest. Too long have ye lived at my table, giving asan excuse that ye would win me as a bride. The suitor who can bendthis bow and send this arrow through these twelve axes shall claimme as his wife, and I will follow him to his home. "

Penelope called to the swineherd and the herdsmen to place the ringsand carry the bow to the suitors. Each in turn tried to do so, butwere overcome with grief at seeing their master's weapons, and laidthem down. 

Antinoös lifted up his voice and chid them: "Ye foolish peasants, must your eyes flow with tears at this feast? Bring the bow or leavethe palace. Methinks we shall have hard work to bend this bow, fornone of us have such sinews as had Odysseus. "

Then Telemachos took up the bow and laughed. "I must have lost mywits, " he said, "for I am glad that this contest will take place. There is not such another woman in Greece as my stately mother. Makeno delay then. I long to see the man who can bend the bow. I wouldthat I might bend it myself and win the right to keep her in her ownhome. Then I should be spared the grief of losing her. "

Telemachos took off his cloak and laid his sword aside. He placedthe axes in a row and took the bow and made three attempts to bendit, but did not succeed. He would have accomplished the feat if hehad made one more effort, but Odysseus made a sign to him to desist, so he set the bow against the wall and went back to his seat. 

The first suitor to make the trial had never been pleased with theinsolence of the wooers, and had great foresight and was called theirseer. His hands were soft and delicate. He could not bend the bow, but he predicted that it would be the instrument to bring death tothe whole crew. 

Antinoös reproached him for his prophecies, and ordered Melanthiosto light a fire and bring a slice of fat, that the bow might be warmedand oiled to make it pliable. They warmed it and rubbed it with oil, and tried to bend it. One after another, each in turn, they made trials, but all in vain. 

In the meantime Odysseus went to the swineherd and the master of theherds, who had displayed such loyalty. He said to them: "My friends, what if Odysseus should come; would you take part with him, or jointhe crowd of suitors? Speak truly. " The two men answered, appealingto the gods to bear witness, that they would stand by their masterto the end. 

"Behold, " said Odysseus, "I am the master that you love. I have cometo my own land after twenty years of suffering, and among all myservants I hear none pray for my return save you two. And now thatyou may surely recognize me I will show you the scar made by a boaron Parnassos. " He raised his ragged tunic for a moment and they lookedat the scar. They recognized their long-lost master, and threw theirarms around him and wept, and kissed his hands and feet. 

Odysseus begged them to desist, lest the suitors should notice itand discover him. And he instructed them to bring the bow to him andplace it in his hands, after all the wooers had failed to bend it. And he told them to shut and lock the doors, so that the maid-servantscould not hear the groans of the dying men, for they might run outand warn the town. 

Eurymachos and Antinoös were the last to make trial of the bow. Eurymachos sat before the fire and warmed it on both sides, but hecould not bend it. He was vexed beyond measure, and said: "It is notthat I care for Penelope, for there are other women that would suitme just as well, but if we are weaker than Odysseus our sons willhear of it in future times and be ashamed of us. "

Antinoös took up the word: "Eurymachos, " he said, "this is a day heldsacred to Apollo, god of the silver bow. He should have no rival. Let the bow alone, lest the god be angry and leave the axes standingin a row. No one will dare to touch them. Let Melanthios bring goats, and we will offer up sacrifices to the god and invite his aid. Thenwe shall have strength to win in this struggle. "

CHAPTER XLVIIIODYSSEUS BENDS THE BOW

The suitors approved the words of Antinoös. The heralds filled theircups with wine, and the wise Odysseus waited until they had drunkto their hearts' content. 

Then he lifted up his voice and said: "Hear me, ye suitors of Penelope, while I advise that you defer this trial of your strength until anotherday. Apollo will then bestow the power on one of you to triumph overthe others. Let me practise with the bow to-day, to see if I haveany of my youthful strength, or if I have lost it through sufferingand want. "

The suitors were moved with desperate fear and anger. "Thou senselessbeggar, " said Antinoös, "is it not enough that we allow thee to sitat a banquet with the proudest men alive? Thou art drunk and thy mindwanders. What would come to thee if thou shouldst bend this bow? Verilywe would sell thee for a slave to the great enemy of men. "

Then said Penelope: "Indeed, Antinoös, it is not large-minded to denythis poor old man the pleasure of trying the bow. 

"Dost thou think I would go forth as the wife of a beggar? Nay, thestranger has no hope of that. Do not let your minds be teased withsuch thoughts. "

Eurymachos, the leading suitor, rejoined: "Our care is not that thouwilt wed this man. But we fear the ridicule of the people, who willsay, 'These are great men, indeed, who are outdone in strength andskill by a miserable old beggar. ' It would be a never-ending shameto us. "

"Nay, Eurymachos, " replied Penelope, "real shame comes on him whorobs a good man and brings trouble to his family. This beggar claimsto be of good blood, and his arm is sinewy. Let him try the bow. Imake a solemn promise that if Apollo grant him the honor of bendingthe bow, I shall do no less than bestow upon him a tunic and a cloak, and sandals, and I will give him a sword with which he can defendhimself. Then he can go where he likes. "

Telemachos saw that the great crisis was at hand. "Mother, " he said, "it rests with me to give the bow or withhold it. Such matters belongto men, and in this palace the authority is mine. Take thy maids, then, and retire to thy apartments, and ply the tasks most suitableto women. "

The queen recognized her son's wisdom, and withdrew with her maidsto the upper rooms. There she wept for the beloved monarch, her absentlord, until Athena sent a soothing sleep to comfort her. 

In the meanwhile the swineherd took up the bow and undertook to carryit to Odysseus. The suitors shouted their disapproval, and he becameconfused and set it down. Telemachos called out above the clamor andgave command for him to carry it along. The suitors laughed to hearthe young man's voice ring out like a trumpet and drown all othernoises. Odysseus took the bow and turned it from side to side, examining it in every part. Telemachos, in a low tone, bade Eurycleiamake fast all the doors, and the master herdsman tied the gates ofthe outer court with a ship's cable. 

The suitors grew uneasy, and one of them said to another: "See thebeggar, how he turns the bow this way and that! He would have us thinkthat he is an expert in the use of bows. " Odysseus stretched the cordand made it fast from end to end. He put it to his ear to try itstenseness as a minstrel tunes his harp. It sang like a bird. Withperfect ease he drew the cord and let the arrow fly. It screamed likea swallow and went through every ring from the first one to the last. The suitors turned pale. Zeus sent a loud thunder-clap and Odysseusrejoiced at the omen. He sprang to the threshold with his bow in handand a quiver full of arrows at his side, and shouted: "The contestis ended. Now I will choose another target. "

Antinoös had just put a golden goblet to his lips, and was about todrink the delicious wine. An arrow pierced his throat. He droppedthe cup and fell to the ground, and as he fell his feet struck thetable. The bread and meat were scattered in every direction over thefloor. The suitors sprang to their feet and looked for the weaponson the walls. The spears were gone, and the lances and all the armor. 

Even yet they were blind to the fact that the stranger had slainAntinoös purposely. They poured out threats. "Fool, " they said, "whatart thou doing? How couldst thou be so careless! Thou hast slain thenoblest man in Ithaca. Dogs and vultures shall devour thee. Neveragain shalt thou be allowed a trial with the bow. "

"Dogs, " cried Odysseus, "ye little thought your chief would everreturn from Troy, and therefore ye have robbed me of my wealth andvexed my wife with offers of marriage, regardless of the laws of godand man. But now the hour of your death has come and your doom iscertain. "

The suitors trembled and looked for some open door through which tofly for safety. Only Eurymachos took courage to make a defence. "Ifthou art indeed Odysseus, thou hast good cause to complain of wrongs, "he said. "But thou hast slain the leader, Antinoös, who prompted usto do these wrongs. He had no thought of love for thy wife. He wantedto gain thy land and rule over thy people. Spare the rest of us andwe will make ample restitution. "

A dreadful frown spread over Odysseus' face, and he replied:"Eurymachos, I will not take thy wealth nor will I spare thy life. Now choose between the two, either to fight or fly from death. Besure no suitor shall escape my vengeance. "

The suitors all grew faint with fear. Eurymachos cried out to them:"Ye Ithacans, this man will stand there at the door and shoot us alldown one by one. Out with your swords! Hold up the tables for shields, and rush upon him, all of you, at once. Drive him out of the gates, and then hurry through the city and give a general alarm. "

With a fearful shout Eurymachos then drew his own sword and sprangtoward Odysseus. A deadly arrow from the famous bow met him and hefell upon the table, upsetting it, and he went spinning round withit on the paved floor, while the food and cup of wine were scatteredall about. His head struck upon a stone and his feet against a chair. Death closed his eyes. 

Another suitor drew his sword and rushed toward Odysseus. Telemachosmet him with a lance and slew him. Then Telemachos sprang to hisfather's side and said: "My father, I will bring thee javelins anda shield, and I will arm myself and the swineherd and the masterherdsmen. " "Make haste, my son, " responded Odysseus, "for I have butfew arrows left. "

Telemachos hastened to the room where the arms had been stored andclothed himself in brass. His loyal herdsmen also put on splendidarmor, and they hastened back to Odysseus with a complete outfit forhim. The chief had used up his arrows, and now he dressed himselfin armor and took the lances. Just then he perceived that the suitorshad by some means been supplied with armor also. He called toTelemachos, who had left the door ajar leading to the apartment wherethe arms had been placed for safety. 

Melanthios, the goatherd, had sneaked in and was slyly bringingshields and helmets down to them. Telemachos saw him, and gave ordersto the herdsmen to lock the doors of the armory and secure the spy. They hastened to the armory and found Melanthios, who had come backfor a second load. They cast him on the floor and tied his arms downso that he could not move them. Then they took a rope and made twoloops in it and swung him safely to the timbers in the roof, saying:"Melanthios, thou hast a soft bed, and it is where thou canst keepwatch. In the morning thou canst drive thy goats to the suitors'banquet. " They locked the doors and left him there and took theirplaces at Odysseus' side. 

CHAPTER XLIXDEATH OF THE SUITORS

The combat grew more stubborn. Athena, in the guise of Mentor, stoodnear Odysseus and cheered him on. "Woe unto thee, Mentor, if thoudost dare to help Odysseus, " cried one of the suitors. "We will notspare thee when we have slain him. More yet, we will drive thy wifeand children out of Ithaca and keep thy wealth. " The goddess, in greatanger at this audacity, turned toward Odysseus and said: "Thou artnot so swift and terrible in fighting, O Chieftain, as thou wert beforethe walls of Troy. "

Athena said this to spur Odysseus on, but she did not remain at hisside. She changed herself into a swallow and perched upon a rafterof the great hall, to put his prowess to a greater test. When shehad gone, the suitors grew braver and threw their spears at Odysseusthick and fast. But their aim was uncertain, and they struck pillarsand panels and the wall, for the goddess turned their shafts aside. 

Odysseus and Telemachos and their faithful servants hurled theirlances, and the weapons always hit the mark. The cowherd struckKtesippos in the breast and exclaimed, as the suitor fell: "Ktesippos, I give thee this spear in exchange for the ox's foot which thou didstthrow at Odysseus as a gift when he asked alms of thee. "

Four of the wooers fell to the ground at once and the remainderretreated to the farthest corner of the hall. Still they rallied foranother onset. Odysseus rushed in upon them and cut them down rightand left, while Athena from above shook her fearful ægis. Thesurviving wooers were stricken with terror and ran about like a herdof oxen chased by a swarm of gadflies. Only the minstrel Phemios andthe herald Medon were spared. Both of them had served the suitorsmost unwillingly and had secretly advised with Telemachos. 

Odysseus searched up and down the hall to see if any suitor couldbe found alive. As fishes lie upon the beach when they have been pouredout from the nets upon the sand, so lay the multitude of wooers. Notone survived. 

Then Odysseus called Eurycleia and bade her summon all of the impudentand unfaithful servants who had taken sides with the suitors. Theycame into the hall and with loud laments took up the slain and carriedthem out as they were commanded, and placed them in a walled court. Then they cleaned the hall with water and sponges, and polished thewood and set everything in order. 

When this was done, they were driven like a flock of birds into anarrow place outside and hung to a beam to die wretchedly. Melanthiosalso was brought down from the armory and cast among the dogs to die. 

The palace now was purged with the smoke of sulphur, and the air waspurified with incense. The loyal servants crowded about theirchieftain and welcomed him with glad salutations. They kissed hishands and face, and wept and laughed for joy. Odysseus was deeplymoved and sobbed aloud. 

CHAPTER LEURYCLEIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ODYSSEUS TO PENELOPE

Eurycleia, with an exulting heart, now hurried up the lofty stairsand stood by the queen in her royal chamber. "Penelope, " she cried, "my child, Odysseus has come. Thy husband is here, and he has slainthe whole crew of insolent suitors who squandered his riches andscoffed at his son. " Prudent Penelope answered her: "Eurycleia, thouart mad. The gods have taken thy wits away. Do not mock me with suchidle tales. If any other maid had come on such an errand and wakedme from sleep, I would have dismissed her with anger. "

"Nay, dear child, I do not mock thee; Odysseus has come and is nowsitting by the hearth. The beggar whom they scoffed at in the hallwas Odysseus. Telemachos knew it, but dared not tell thee until thesuitors should be slain. "

Penelope rose from her couch and seized Eurycleia by the hands. 

"Tell me, dear nurse, " she said, "tell me truly, if in fact my husbandhas returned, how was it possible that he alone could destroy sucha multitude of haughty men!" "I did not see it, " responded the oldnurse, "but I heard the groans of the dying men as I sat with theother maids in our own rooms. The doors were locked to bar us fromthe hall. When Telemachos called me, I found Odysseus surrounded bythe slain. When we had washed the hall and purged it with smoke andpurified the air with incense, thy husband ordered me to call thee. Follow me now, my child, that your heart may be gladdened after ithas been oppressed so long with sorrows. "

Penelope replied again: "Nay, I cannot believe it. The gods may haveslain the suitors under the guise of Odysseus, but he has perishedfar away from home and never will return. "

"My daughter, " said the aged nurse, "what words are these? Irecognized Odysseus myself by the well-known scar made by the boar'stusk. I turned to tell thee, but he laid his finger on my lips andsaid: 'Be silent. Let no one know that I am here until the suitorsall are slain, or else they will destroy me. ' Now follow me. I pledgemy life that I speak the truth. "

Penelope descended from her royal bower uncertain how to meet herlord. She crossed the threshold and sat down at the hearth, oppositeOdysseus, who was seated beside a stately column in the blazing lightof the fire. He did not lift his eyes to look at his wife, but waitedfor her to make the way open for him to speak. Penelope was speechless. She looked at her husband and seemed sometimes to recognize him, andthen the resemblance faded out and he did not seem at all likeOdysseus. 

Telemachos became impatient and spoke to her, chiding her. "Mother, "he said, "thou art hard-hearted and unkind. Any other woman wouldextend a hearty welcome to her husband after he had suffered so manyyears of hardship, wandering in foreign lands. Take thy place at myfather's side and question him. Verily thy heart is harder than astone. " "My son, " answered Penelope, "I seem to have lost the powerto speak. I am dazed and cannot even command myself to look at him. If this is indeed Odysseus we soon shall know each other, for thereare secrets known to us two only. "

Odysseus smiled and said: "My son, be patient, and let thy motherput me to the test. She does not know me in these rags, but she willsoon be convinced that I am Odysseus. It is more important now toprevent the news that the suitors have been slain from spreading. They have friends all over the city. Who knows but what they may riseup against us. I deem it best that we bathe and put on fresh garments, and let the servants do the same. 

"And let the minstrel bring his lyre and strike up such music asprompts the dance, so that those living near us may report that awedding is being celebrated. Then we may safely venture forth andsee what is to be done. "

Thus spoke the monarch, and his commands were gladly obeyed. Telemachos and the servants went their way to the baths and arrayedthemselves in splendid clothing. The bard took his harp and woke thepleasing strains, and the palace halls resounded with mirth anddancing. 

After awhile those outside were heard to say: "Shame on Penelope!She weds a second time, and does not even know whether her absentlord is dead or living. She might have waited for him to return. "

Meantime Odysseus followed a servant to the bath, and when he hadbeen bathed and anointed he put on garments suitable for a king. Athenagave him a more majestic appearance, and caused his hair to fall inheavy curls, like the petals of the hyacinth. When he came back tothe great hall and stood before the queen, he looked like an immortal. 

"Lady, " he said, "the gods have given thee a stubborn heart. Any otherwoman would have given a glad welcome to her husband after he hadbeen absent twenty years. " To this Penelope responded: "Not so; Ihave no pride nor a cold heart. But I should be unworthy of my lordif I accepted a stranger without putting him to the proof. I rememberwell when thou didst go to Troy. Thou didst command Eurycleia to carrythy massive bed out into the open air and cover it with fleeces. "

"Nay, woman, no living man could perform such a feat. I built thatmassive frame myself. It was a tall olive-tree that grew within oneof the courts. Round it I built a royal bower, and, cutting off thegreat limbs of the tree, shaped them and fastened them to the trunk. In this wise I built the frame, and no one could move it withoutdragging the tree out by the roots. That is a secret known only tothee and me. "

Penelope had put the final test, and knew that this was surely Odysseus. She rose from where she sat and ran to him and threw her arms abouthis neck and kissed his brow. "Odysseus, do not be angry with me, "she said. "Many are they who have tried to practise deception uponme. Thou hast made me believe in thee. " These words pierced Odysseus'heart and brought him the relief of tears. He pressed his faithfulwife to his bosom again and again. 

CHAPTER LIODYSSEUS VISITS HIS FATHER

Early the next morning Odysseus dressed himself in his splendid armorand bade his son and servants accompany him to the farm. They tooktheir weapons and went forth, Odysseus leading the way. It was notlong before they came to the green fields which were cared for byLaertes. He had built his house there, and surrounded it with cabins, where his servants slept. 

Odysseus was anxious to know whether his father would recognize himor not, so he said to one of the men: "Go into the house and callmy father. Let me see whether he will know me, after I have been solong away. " Placing his weapons in their hands, he went down intothe orchard. There were no servants about, for they had all gone offto gather thorns with which to build a fence. 

There Odysseus saw his father working around a young tree that hehad just planted. He was clad in old, coarse clothes that had beenrepeatedly patched, a goat-skin cap, and gloves to protect his handsfrom the briers. 

It was pitiful to see the want of hope in the old man's face as hemoved about brooding over his troubles. Odysseus was uncertainwhether he should throw his arms about his father's neck and clasphim to his heart and kiss him, or whether it were better to questionhim. 

He approached Laertes gently and, having greeted him, said: "My friend, thou art a skilful farmer. Every fig and vine and pear and olive hasbeen carefully trained. But no one seems to care for thee. Thy mastertreats thee badly, for thou art ill-clad and unkempt. An old mandeserves better things. Thy face does not look like the face of aservant. Indeed one might take thee for a king. Now tell me, who ownsthis orchard? And tell me also if this land is Ithaca. I desire tolearn what became of Odysseus, the son of Laertes. He was once myguest and one that I made most welcome. "

Laertes wept. "Thou art indeed in Ithaca, O stranger, " he said. "Butthou dost seek in vain for Odysseus. The land is full of wicked men, and there is no host to load thee with generous gifts, a recompensefor thy hospitality. Oh, tell me of my son; when did he lodge withthee? Woe is me! The beasts and birds have long since devoured him. No mother folded his shroud about him, nor did his father or his loyalwife weep upon his bier. Tell me, what is thy name? Where is thy ship?How didst thou come here?"

Odysseus was overcome with pity, and invented a tale to prepareLaertes for his unexpected coming. Then he clasped the dear old manin his arms and kissed his trembling hands, and said: "I am thy son, my father; I am the Odysseus of whom thou dost inquire. Here is thescar given me by the wild boar as I hunted on Parnassos. And for furtherproof I will tell thee of the orchard-trees thou gavest me when Iwas a child. There were thirteen pear-trees, forty fig-trees, andten apple-trees. Forbear thy weeping and cease to mourn. I have slainthe suitor-robbers who were destroying my riches, and I have takenpossession of my house again. "

Overwhelmed with joy, the old king trembled from head to foot. Thesturdy chieftain, Odysseus, saw it and drew him to his heart to keephim from fainting, and held him there until his strength came back. Then they went up to the house, where a supper had been prepared, and Telemachos was waiting. Laertes went to the bath and came backclad like a king. The grief had left his face, and he took on hisold majestic appearance. As they sat at the banquet, relating theexperiences of the past years, Dolius and his sons, the servants whohad gone in search of thorns, returned. Dolius recognized Odysseusand seized him by the hand and saluted him with joyful greetings, and his sons gathered round the chieftain eager to take his hand. 

Meantime the souls of the suitors had gone down to the abode of Pluto. Hermes led them, and they followed, crying and wailing like bats ina dark cave. The shades of Achilles, Agamemnon, Ajax, and other heroessaw them and constrained them to relate the mishaps that had broughtthem there. Then Agamemnon's ghost responded: "Fortunate Odysseus!His fame shall last forever, and poets shall sing the praises ofPenelope in all the coming ages. "

Ere Odysseus and Laertes had finished their feast, the news of thedreadful death of the suitors spread over the city. The wooers hadmany friends, and they came to the palace weeping and mourning, readyto avenge their slaughter. Finding that Odysseus was not at home, they proceeded to the market-place. The father of Antinoös arose andlifted up his voice crying for vengeance, but Medon, the herald, warned them that a god had taken part against them and that strifewould be useless. 

Halitherses, a wise and reverend citizen, took up the word: "Ye menof Ithaca, " he said, "give ear to what I have to say. Odysseus wasnot the cause of your misfortunes, but you, yourselves. Ye would notcheck the insolence of the suitors, even when Mentor bade you do it. Contend not with Odysseus nor bring down his wrath upon us. "

The Ithacans were now divided against themselves. Half of them tookup arms to make war on Odysseus, and started for his father's house. In this adversity Athena did not forget her favorite chief, but armedherself, and, taking on the guise of Mentor, placed herself atOdysseus' side. A son of Dolius was first to announce that a crowdwas marching against them, when they all arose quickly, donned theirarmor, and went outside. 

Then Odysseus cried out to Telemachos: "Now is the moment to showthyself a hero, my son. Do not bring disgrace upon thy forefathers, for they are renowned over the whole world for their bravery. "Telemachos responded: "There is no danger of that, my dear father, as I shall show thee presently. " When Laertes heard this he rejoicedand said: "This is a happy day for me. How blest am I to see my sonand grandson rivals in brave deeds. "

Athena now drew near to the old king, and inspired him with youthfulcourage. He swung his spear aloft and threw it at the leader of thehost and smote him to the earth. Odysseus and Telemachos rushed intothe fray with double-edged swords. They would have made an end ofthe whole multitude, but Athena called aloud: "People of Ithaca, ceasefrom fighting! Retire at once from this contest and shed no moreblood. "

The Ithacans grew pale with fright at hearing the voice of the goddess. They threw down their weapons and ran toward the city in a panic offear. Odysseus shouted in triumph as he gave chase, but Zeus senta thunder-bolt down as a sign to Athena that she should restrain him. The goddess called to him to cease the pursuit, and, taking the guiseof Mentor, she moved the minds of Odysseus and his enemies to mutualpledges of peace and good-will. 

VOCABULARY AND NOTES

A chil' les--also called Pelides, the hero of the "Iliad. " He wasthe son of Peleus (king of Phthia in Thessaly) and the sea-nymph, Thetis. 

Æ gē' an--a sea east of Greece. 

Æ' o lus--the keeper of the winds, and king of Lipara, one of theÆolian isles north of Sicily. 

Ag a mem' non--leader of all the Greek chiefs in the Trojan war. 

A' jax, or Aias--king of Salamis and cousin of Achilles. He was theson of Telamon and was called Ajax the Greater. 

Al ex ăn' drŏs--Paris, son of Priam. 

Al kin' ŏ ös--king of Scheria, father of Nausicaä. He gave aid toOdysseus when he was stranded on the island. 

An tin' o ös--the boldest of the suitors. 

Aph ro dī' te--Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. The island ofKythera (Cythera), south of Greece, was the seat of her worship. 

A pŏl' lo--the Sun-god, brother of Artemis and son of Zeus and Leto. The island of Dēlos was his mythical birthplace and his principaloracle was at Delphi. 

Ar ca' di a, or Arkadia--the central district of the Peloponnesus. 

A re' tè (ä rā' tā)--wife of Alkinoös and queen of Scheria. 

Ar e thū' sa--a spring "where the swine of Eumaios ate 'abundanceof acorns and drank the black water. '" (See Baedeker'sGreece--Ithaca. ) Arethusa was also the name of a water-nymphinhabiting the spring. 

Ar' gus, or Argos--the most celebrated dog known to fame. He belongedto Odysseus. 

Ar' te mis, or Diana--goddess of the moon and sister to Apollo. Shewas called the hunter-goddess and the protector of animals. 

As' phō del--a flower sacred to Persephone. The souls of the departedwere supposed to wander in meadows adorned with these beautifulflowers. 

A thē' nē, or Athena; Latin, Minerva--the patron deity of Athens. The city was named for her. Ruskin calls her the "Queen of the Air, "and explains her real significance as being the inspiration of thesoul, which corresponds to the physical vigor and life received byinhaling the pure air. She is always called the "Goddess of Wisdom. "

A' treus (a' trūse)--son of Pelops and father of Agamemnon. 

Au' lis--a bay and town on the coast of Greece, about thirty milesnorth of Athens. "The scanty ruins of Aulis lie on the rugged ridgeof rock which stretches into the sea between the two bays. The littletown never attained any importance, for its site was unfavorable forthe development of a community; but the two sheltered bays wereexcellently adapted to be the rendezvous of a fleet. " (See Baedeker'sGreece--Aulis. )

Cad' mus, or Kadmos--the founder of Thebes in Bœotia. According totradition, he came from Phœnicia and brought the alphabet to theGreeks and the knowledge of working in metals. 

Cal' chas, or Kalchas--a soothsayer. He offended Agamemnon bydeclaring that the Greeks suffered from the wrath of the gods throughhis offences. 

Ca lyp' so--the goddess of Silence, daughter of Oceanos and Tethys, and queen of Ogygia. She tried by every art to detain Odysseus onhis way home from Troy. 

Cas san' dra--a daughter of Priam, and a prophetess, taken captivein the Trojan war and awarded to Agamemnon. 

Cha ryb' dis--a whirlpool off the coast of Sicily, a little to thenorth of Messina. 

Cir' cè, or Kirkē--the daughter of Hēlios, the Sun. She was anenchantress who lived on the island Ææa. She infused into the vinethe intoxicating quality found in the juice of the grape. "The graveof Circe used to be pointed out on the island of St. George, closeto Salamis. " (See Baedeker's Greece--Salamis. )

Cy' clops, or Kyklops, also called Polyphemus--a monstrous one-eyedgiant. He was the son of Poseidon. It was due to his prayer for revengethat Odysseus was kept so long wandering on the sea. 

Cy the' ra, or Kythera--a rocky island lying south of Greece. It wasthe seat of the worship of Aphrodite. 

Dē' los--an island about sixty miles southeast of Athens. It is themythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. 

Dē mod' o kos--a bard at the court of Alkinoös. 

E' lis--a district and a city in the northwestern part of thePeloponnesus. Like Sparta, the city had no walls. It was protectedby the sacred peace of Olympia. 

The plain or precinct of Olympia is situated in the district of Elis. Pyrgos is the nearest railroad station. "Olympia owed its highimportance throughout the entire Grecian world to the famous Olympicgames in honor of Zeus, which took place periodically for centuries. Excavations there have brought to light many magnificent pieces ofsculpture, among them the Hermes of Praxiteles. "

El pē' nor--one of the comrades of Odysseus. He fell from the roofof Circè's palace and was killed. 

E lys' ian--pertaining to Elysium, the abode of dead heroes and otherhappy spirits. 

Eu mai' os, or Eumæus--the swineherd of Odysseus. 

Eu rō' tas--a river of southern Greece. 

Eu ry' a los--a son of Alkinoös. 

Eu ry clei' a (ū ry clī' ä)--the nurse of Odysseus and Telemachos. 

Eu ry' lŏ chos, or Eurylochus--one of the companions of Odysseus. 

Eu ry' ma chos, or Eurymachus--one of the suitors of Penelope. 

Gor' gon--a monster of fearful aspect, a daughter of Phorkys and Ceto. Her hair was entwined with serpents, her hands were of brass, herbody covered with scales, and anyone gazing upon her was turned intostone. 

Hel' en, or Helenē--a daughter of Tyndareus and Leda. She was thewife of Menelaos and was always called "the most beautiful woman inthe world. "

Hel' las--Greece, the land of the Hellenes. 

Hē' li os--the god of the Sun. 

He phais' tos, or Hephæstus--Vulcan. He was the blacksmith god, thegod of fire, and a worker in metals. 

Hē' ra, Hērē--Juno, the wife of Zeus. She was worshipped as the queenof heaven and was regarded as a model of womanly virtue. Argos wasthe chief centre of the worship of Hera. 

Hēr' a kles, or Hercules--a celebrated hero whose deeds are connectedwith many localities. There is a cave near Nemea where he is saidto have slain a lion, not far from Stymphalos, where he put the Harpiesto flight, and Erymanthos, the scene of the killing of the Erymanthianboar. There are traditions of his heroism connected with Thessaly(Thebes) and Locris, also. 

Her' bart--a German philosopher and pedagogian. 

Her' mēs, or Mercury--the messenger of the gods, also their herald. 

Her mi' ŏ ne--the daughter of Menelaos and Helen. 

Ho' mer--the greatest of the Greek poets and author of the "Iliad"and "Odyssey. "

I' da--a mountain of Asia Minor, east of Troy. 

Il' i ad--an epic poem, probably the greatest ever written, devotedto the deeds of Achilles, and taken by the best scholars of moderntimes as an interpretation of Greek life, Greek thought, and the Greekreligion. 

I' no, or Leucothea--a daughter of Cadmus, a sea-nymph who helpedOdysseus by giving him an enchanted veil. 

Iph i gen ei' a--the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. "Ulrichshas discovered the site of the famous Temple of Artemis or Diana, where Agamemnon was on the point of sacrificing his daughterIphigeneia, before the departure of the Greek fleet for Troy. " (SeeBaedeker's Greece--Aulis. ) To appreciate the character of thisfamous woman one must read the "Iphigeneia in Aulis" of Euripidesand the "Iphigeneia in Tauris" of Goethe. 

Ith' a ca, or Ithaka, Greek Ithákē--rocky island with an area of 37½square miles and 12, 500 inhabitants. "The world-wide fame of thislittle island is of course due to the Homeric epic of the Odyssey, in which the misfortunes and wiles, the wanderings, and home-comingof Ulysses (Odysseus), King of Ithaca, have been handed down toposterity in undying verse. Even if the person of the hero be relegatedto the realm of myths, it is indisputable that the descriptions ofthe poem rest upon a more or less exact local knowledge; and thisis evident not only in the account of the situation and generalcharacter of the island but also in numerous small details. . . . Theisland became almost entirely depopulated in the middle ages, inconsequence of the raids of pirates and the Turkish wars, and didnot begin to recover until the Venetian epoch. But similar conditionsof life make the modern islanders resemble the ancient. To this daythe Ithacans are distinguished by their bold seamanship, their loveof home, and their hospitality. " (See Baedeker's Greece--Ithaca. )

Ja' son, or Iason--the hero who undertook the expedition in searchof the Golden Fleece. 

Ktes ip' pos, or Ctesippus--one of the suitors of Penelope. 

Lak e dai' mon, or Lacedæmon--a district in southeastern Greece. Sparta was its capital. 

La ër' tes--the father of Odysseus. 

La o' da màs--a son of Alkinoös. 

La o' co ön, or Laokoön--a young priest of Apollo. He warned theTrojans not to accept the wooden horse left by the Greeks and wasdestroyed by a serpent. 

Lo' tus--the Egyptian water-lily, also a tree. The lotus-eaters ateof the fruit of the lotus-tree and forgot their homes and friends. 

Me lăn' thi os--a servant of Odysseus, a goatherd who sympathizedwith the suitors and served them. 

Men e lā' os, or Menelaus--a son of Atreus and brother of Agamemnon. Menelaos was the king of Sparta and husband of Helen. 

Men' tor--the wise counsellor of Telemachos. 

Mil tī' ä des--the hero of the battle of Marathon, fought 490 B. C. In this battle the Greeks, numbering 10, 000 men, conquered ten timesas many Persians. 

Mi' nos--a son of Zeus and ruler over Crete. 

Mo' ly--a fabulous plant having magic properties. It had a whiteblossom and a black root. 

My cē' næ, or Mykēnai--an ancient city of Argolis, in the northeasternPeloponnesus. "Dr. Henry Schliemann, in 1876, made rich discoveriesthere, weapons, ornaments, vessels of gold, silver and clay, "skeletons "surrounded by bands of gold, golden shovels engraved withbattle-scenes, " etc. (See Baedeker's Greece--Mycenæ and Athens. )

Myr' mĭ dŏns--a warlike people of Thrace, ruled by Achilles and takenby him to the Trojan war as followers. 

Nau sic' a ä--the daughter of Alkinoös. 

Nē ŏp tŏl' ĕ mŏs--the son of Achilles. 

Nĕs' tor--the leader of the warriors of Pylos, in southwestern Greece. 

O ke' a nos, or Oceanus--the god of the river Oceanus, and son ofHeaven and Earth. 

Od ys' seus (sūse), or Ulysses--the son of Laertes and Anticleia andthe hero of Homer's Odyssey. Being summoned to the Trojan war, hefeigned madness, and harnessed a mule and a cow to a plough and beganploughing the sea-shore. Palamedes, to test his madness, placed hisinfant son, Telemachos, in front of the plough, and Odysseus quicklyturned it aside. He became famous for his bravery and craft in thewar. He is looked upon by critics as the most perfect type of adultGreek ideals. 

[Illustration: ODYSSEUS FEIGNS MADNESS]

O lymp' os, or Olympus--a mountain in Thrace. The home of the gods. 

O rĕs' tēs--the son of Agamemnon. 

Par' is, or Alexandros--a son of Priam. At his birth there was aprophecy that he would be the ruin of his country; hence he was castout upon Mount Ida, where he was found and rescued by a shepherd. (See Introduction. )

Par nas' sos--a mountain near the north coast of the Corinthian Gulf. It is 8, 070 feet high and commands a view of Mount Olympos to thenorth, Eubœa on the east, the islands of the Archipelago, thePeloponnesus, and even Mount Korax. 

Pat' rŏ klos, or Patroclus--the intimate friend of Achilles. His deathat the hands of the Trojans provoked Achilles to action. 

Pei sis' tra tos--a son of Nestor. 

Pē' leus--the father of Achilles. 

Pel op on nēs' us--the peninsula of lower Greece. 

Pe nel' o pe--the wife of Odysseus. The greatest heroine of ancientromance. 

Pĕr sĕph' ō ne, or Proserpine--daughter of Demeter (Ceres). "She wasthe goddess of Spring and was allowed to spend two-thirds of the yearwith her mother, while the remaining time she dwelt with her husband, Hades, in his underground abode. " Eleusis, twelve miles west of Athens, was the centre of the worship of Demeter and Persephone. (SeeBaedeker's Greece--Eleusis. )

Phai a' ki ans, or Phæacians--the people of the island of Scheria, over whom Alkinoös ruled. 

Phē' mi os--a bard at the court of Odysseus. 

Phor' kys--the harbor where the Phæacians landed Odysseus on hisreturn to Ithaca. "The Bay of Vathy, " says Baedeker, "disputes withthe Bay of Dexiá the honor of being the Harbour of Phorkys. "

Plu' to, or Hades--a son of Rhea and Kronos and brother of Zeus andPoseidon. Pluto was the ruler of the lower world. 

Po sei' don, or Neptune--brother of Zeus and Hades. Poseidon was theruler of the seas and was the first to train and employ horses. 

Pol y phe' mus, or Polyphemos or Cyclops--the son of Poseidon. Hewas one of the Cyclops or Kyklops who were said to live in the heartof burning mountains, particularly in Mount Ætna. 

Pri' am, or Priamos--king of Troy and father of Paris. 

Pro' teus--an ocean deity who lived at the bottom of the sea. He tookcare of Poseidon's sea-calves and was famous for his evasiveness. 

Py' los--a town (and bay) in the southwestern part of lower Greece. It was the centre of Nestor's kingdom. 

Sa' mos--"at present a little village on the island of Cephalonia, the starting-point of the boats to Ithaca. In Homer, the _island_of Cephalonia, or its east part, is called Samē; and in the latterpart of the Odyssey, Samos appears as belonging to the kingdom ofIthaca. " (Baedeker. ) Samos, a large island near Asia Minor, is notrelated to the Samos of the Odyssey. 

Ska man' dros, or Scamander--a river of the Troad or plains of Troy. 

Scher' i a--an island northwest of Greece. "The ancients identifiedCorfù with the Phæacian island of Scheria, mentioned in the 'Odyssey, 'as ruled over by Alkinoös. " (Baedeker. )

Skyl' la--a rock in southwestern Italy. It was supposed to be theabode of a monster with many heads and hands. 

Sky' ros--a large island east of Greece. 

Sim' o is--a river in the Troad, and a branch of the Scamander. 

Si' rens--daughters of Achelöos and a Muse, or, according to anotheraccount, daughters of Phorkys. They failed to care for Persephonewhen Pluto seized her to carry her off, and Demeter took revenge bytransforming them into monsters half woman and half bird. 

Sis' y phos--a hero who secured a fountain to the citadel of Corinthby betraying Zeus. Sisyphos was punished by being obliged to rollstones up-hill in Hades. 

Spar' ta--a town in the southern part of the Peloponnesus, on theEurotas. It was the chief city of Lacedæmon and the home of Menelaosand Helen. It had no walls, but its acropolis was covered with temples. Ancient Sparta was noted for the bravery of its people. At presentSparta has about 3, 600 inhabitants. There are few relics of itsancient greatness. 

Styx--a stream of water in central lower Greece. "The thread of waterdescends from a huge cliff against a background of dark moss, whichhas earned for the brook the name of 'Black Water. ' At the bottomof the cliff the water loses itself in a chaos of rocks. The ancientssaw in the icy coldness of the water and in the barren tract aroundan image of the underworld. " (See Baedeker's Greece. ) To swear bythe Styx was to take "the great oath of the gods. "

Tan' ta los--a king of Phrygia punished by the gods for treacheryand for cruelty to his son. He was doomed to suffer from hunger andthirst while standing close to food and water which he could not reach. 

Tē lĕ' ma chos--the son of Odysseus and Penelope. 

Ten' e dos--an island in the neighborhood of Troy or Ilium. 

Them is' to kles--a great statesman of Athens, and a leader of theGreeks in the Persian war when the Greeks won the battle of Salamis. 

The' seus (Thē' sūse)--a son of Ægeus and Æthra. Like his counterpartHerakles, Theseus performed wonderful deeds, and finally becameruler of Athens. 

Thes' sa ly--a large province of northern Greece. 

Thĕ' tis--a sea-nymph, the mother of Achilles. 

Ti res' ias, or Teiresias--a Theban seer. He retained hisconsciousness after death, and Odysseus descended into Hades toconsult with him before he could reach Ithaca. 

Troy, Ilios, or Ilium--a city of Asia Minor and the scene of the Trojanwar. Dr. Schliemann has identified the city with Hissarlik, and inhis excavations there found many evidences of the war, such as spears, helmets, etc. 

Zeus, or Jupiter--a son of Kronos and Rhea. His abode was supposedto be on Mount Olympos, in Thessaly. He was considered the highestof the gods, ruler of the heavens and the earth. 

Za' kyn thos, or Zante--an island near Corfù. 

[Transcriber's note: The publishers of this book used an unusualconvention in which only a single pair of quotation marks surrounda quote, even when the quote extends over multiple paragraphs ormultiple chapters. This transcription has conventional usage ofquotation marks. ]