"If then my fortunes can delight my friend, A story fruitful of events attend: Another's sorrow may thy ears enjoy, And wine the lengthen'd intervals employ. Long nights the now declining year bestows; A part we consecrate to soft repose, A part in pleasing talk we entertain; For too much rest itself becomes a pain. Let those, whom sleep invites, the call obey, Their cares resuming with the dawning day: Here let us feast, and to the feast be join'd Discourse, the sweeter banquet of the mind; Review the series of our lives, and taste The melancholy joy of evils pass'd: For he who much has suffer'd, much will know, And pleased remembrance builds delight on woe.

"Above Ortygia lies an isle of fame, Far hence remote, and Syria is the name (There curious eyes inscribed with wonder trace The sun's diurnal, and his annual race); Not large, but fruitful; stored with grass to keep The bellowing oxen and the bleating sheep; Her sloping hills the mantling vines adorn, And her rich valleys wave with golden corn. No want, no famine, the glad natives know, Nor sink by sickness to the shades below; But when a length of years unnerves the strong, Apollo comes, and Cynthia comes along. They bend the silver bow with tender skill, And, void of pain, the silent arrows kill. Two equal tribes this fertile land divide, Where two fair cities rise with equal pride. But both in constant peace one prince obey, And Ctesius there, my father, holds the sway. Freighted, it seems, with toys of every sort, A ship of Sidon anchor'd in our port; What time it chanced the palace entertain'd, Skill'd in rich works, a woman of their land: This nymph, where anchor'd the Phoenician train, To wash her robes descending to the main, A smooth tongued sailor won her to his mind (For love deceives the best of womankind). A sudden trust from sudden liking grew; She told her name, her race, and all she knew, 'I too (she cried) from glorious Sidon came, My father Arybas, of wealthy fame: But, snatch'd by pirates from my native place, The Taphians sold me to this man's embrace.'

"'Haste then (the false designing youth replied), Haste to thy country; love shall be thy guide; Haste to thy father's house, thy father's breast, For still he lives, and lives with riches blest.'

"'Swear first (she cried), ye sailors! to restore A wretch in safety to her native shore.' Swift as she ask'd, the ready sailors swore. She then proceeds: 'Now let our compact made Be nor by signal nor by word betray'd, Nor near me any of your crew descried, By road frequented, or by fountain side. Be silence still our guard. The monarch's spies (For watchful age is ready to surmise) Are still at hand; and this, revealed, must be Death to yourselves, eternal chains to me. Your vessel loaded, and your traffic pass'd, Despatch a wary messenger with haste; Then gold and costly treasures will I bring, And more, the infant offspring of the king. Him, child-like wandering forth, I'll lead away (A noble prize!) and to your ship convey.'

"Thus spoke the dame, and homeward took the road. A year they traffic, and their vessel load. Their stores complete, and ready now to weigh, A spy was sent their summons to convey: An artist to my father's palace came, With gold and amber chains, elaborate frame: Each female eye the glittering links employ; They turn, review, and cheapen every toy. He took the occasion, as they stood intent, Gave her the sign, and to his vessel went. She straight pursued, and seized my willing arm; I follow'd, smiling, innocent of harm. Three golden goblets in the porch she found (The guests not enter'd, but the table crown'd); Hid in her fraudful bosom these she bore: Now set the sun, and darken'd all the shore. Arriving then, where tilting on the tides Prepared to launch the freighted vessel rides, Aboard they heave us, mount their decks, and sweep With level oar along the glassy deep. Six calmy days and six smooth nights we sail, And constant Jove supplied the gentle gale. The seventh, the fraudful wretch (no cause descried), Touch'd by Diana's vengeful arrow, died. Down dropp'd the caitiff-corse, a worthless load, Down to the deep; there roll'd, the future food Of fierce sea-wolves, and monsters of the flood. An helpless infant I remain'd behind; Thence borne to Ithaca by wave and wind; Sold to Laertes by divine command, And now adopted to a foreign land."

To him the king: "Reciting thus thy cares, My secret soul in all thy sorrow shares; But one choice blessing (such is Jove's high will) Has sweeten'd all thy bitter draught of ill: Torn from thy country to no hapless end, The gods have, in a master, given a friend. Whatever frugal nature needs is thine (For she needs little), daily bread and wine. While I, so many wanderings past, and woes, Live but on what thy poverty bestows."

So passed in pleasing dialogue away The night; then down to short repose they lay; Till radiant rose the messenger of day. While in the port of Ithaca, the band Of young Telemachus approach'd the land; Their sails they loosed, they lash'd the mast aside, And cast their anchors, and the cables tied: Then on the breezy shore, descending, join In grateful banquet o'er the rosy wine. When thus the prince: "Now each his course pursue; I to the fields, and to the city you. Long absent hence, I dedicate this day My swains to visit, and the works survey. Expect me with the morn, to pay the skies Our debt of safe return in feast and sacrifice."

Then Theoclymenus: "But who shall lend, Meantime, protection to thy stranger friend? Straight to the queen and palace shall I fly, Or yet more distant, to some lord apply?"

The prince return'd: "Renown'd in days of yore Has stood our father's hospitable door; No other roof a stranger should receive, No other hands than ours the welcome give. But in my absence riot fills the place, Nor bears the modest queen a stranger's face; From noiseful revel far remote she flies, But rarely seen, or seen with weeping eyes. No—let Eurymachus receive my guest, Of nature courteous, and by far the best; He woos the queen with more respectful flame, And emulates her former husband's fame, With what success, 'tis Jove's alone to know, And the hoped nuptials turn to joy or woe."

Thus speaking, on the right up-soar'd in air The hawk, Apollo's swift-wing'd messenger: His dreadful pounces tore a trembling dove; The clotted feathers, scatter'd from above, Between the hero and the vessel pour Thick plumage mingled with a sanguine shower.

The observing augur took the prince aside, Seized by the hand, and thus prophetic cried: "Yon bird, that dexter cuts the aerial road, Rose ominous, nor flies without a god: No race but thine shall Ithaca obey, To thine, for ages, Heaven decrees the sway."

"Succeed the omens, gods! (the youth rejoin'd:) Soon shall my bounties speak a grateful mind, And soon each envied happiness attend The man who calls Telemachus his friend." Then to Peiraeus: "Thou whom time has proved A faithful servant, by thy prince beloved! Till we returning shall our guest demand, Accept this charge with honour, at our hand."

To this Peiraeus: "Joyful I obey, Well pleased the hospitable rites to pay. The presence of thy guest shall best reward (If long thy stay) the absence of my lord."

With that, their anchors he commands to weigh, Mount the tall bark, and launch into the sea. All with obedient haste forsake the shores, And, placed in order, spread their equal oars. Then from the deck the prince his sandals takes; Poised in his hand the pointed javelin shakes. They part; while, lessening from the hero's view Swift to the town the well-row'd galley flew: The hero trod the margin of the main, And reach'd the mansion of his faithful swain.



BOOK XVI.

ARGUMENT.

THE DISCOVERY OF ULYSSES TO TELEMACHUS.

Telemachus arriving at the lodge of Eumaeus, sends him to carry Penelope the news of his return. Minerva appearing to Ulysses, commands him to discover himself to his son. The princes, who had lain in ambush to intercept Telemachus in his way, their project being defeated, return to Ithaca.



Soon as the morning blush'd along the plains, Ulysses, and the monarch of the swains, Awake the sleeping fires, their meals prepare, And forth to pasture send the bristly care. The prince's near approach the dogs descry, And fawning round his feet confess their joy. Their gentle blandishment the king survey'd, Heard his resounding step, and instant said:

"Some well-known friend, Eumaeus, bends this way; His steps I hear; the dogs familiar play."

While yet he spoke, the prince advancing drew Nigh to the lodge, and now appear'd in view. Transported from his seat Eumaeus sprung, Dropp'd the full bowl, and round his bosom hung; Kissing his cheek, his hand, while from his eye The tears rain'd copious in a shower of joy, As some fond sire who ten long winters grieves, From foreign climes an only son receives (Child of his age), with strong paternal joy, Forward he springs, and clasps the favourite boy: So round the youth his arms Eumaeus spread, As if the grave had given him from the dead.

"And is it thou? my ever-dear delight! Oh, art thou come to bless my longing sight? Never, I never hoped to view this day, When o'er the waves you plough'd the desperate way. Enter, my child! Beyond my hopes restored, Oh give these eyes to feast upon their lord. Enter, oh seldom seen! for lawless powers Too much detain thee from these sylvan bowers," The prince replied: "Eumaeus, I obey; To seek thee, friend, I hither took my way. But say, if in the court the queen reside Severely chaste, or if commenced a bride?"

Thus he; and thus the monarch of the swains: "Severely chaste Penelope remains; But, lost to every joy, she wastes the day In tedious cares, and weeps the night away."

He ended, and (receiving as they pass The javelin pointed with a star of brass), They reach'd the dome; the dome with marble shined. His seat Ulysses to the prince resign'd. "Not so (exclaims the prince with decent grace) For me, this house shall find an humbler place: To usurp the honours due to silver hairs And reverend strangers modest youth forbears." Instant the swain the spoils of beasts supplies, And bids the rural throne with osiers rise. There sate the prince: the feast Eumaeus spread, And heap'd the shining canisters with bread. Thick o'er the board the plenteous viands lay, The frugal remnants of the former day. Then in a bowl he tempers generous wines, Around whose verge a mimic ivy twines. And now, the rage of thirst and hunger fled, Thus young Ulysses to Eumaeus said:

"Whence, father, from what shore this stranger, say? What vessel bore him o'er the watery way? To human step our land impervious lies, And round the coast circumfluent oceans rise."

The swain returns: "A tale of sorrows hear: In spacious Crete he drew his natal air; Long doom'd to wander o'er the land and main, For Heaven has wove his thread of life with pain. Half breathless 'scaping to the land he flew From Thesprot mariners, a murderous crew. To thee, my son, the suppliant I resign; I gave him my protection, grant him thine."

"Hard task (he cries) thy virtue gives thy friend, Willing to aid, unable to defend. Can strangers safely in the court reside, 'Midst the swell'd insolence of lust and pride? E'en I unsafe: the queen in doubt to wed, Or pay due honours to the nuptial bed. Perhaps she weds regardless of her fame, Deaf to the mighty Ulyssean name. However, stranger! from our grace receive Such honours as befit a prince to give; Sandals, a sword and robes, respect to prove, And safe to sail with ornaments of love. Till then, thy guest amid the rural train, Far from the court, from danger far, detain. 'Tis mine with food the hungry to supply, And clothe the naked from the inclement sky. Here dwell in safety from the suitors' wrongs, And the rude insults of ungovern'd tongues. For should'st thou suffer, powerless to relieve, I must behold it, and can only grieve. The brave, encompass'd by an hostile train, O'erpower'd by numbers, is but brave in vain."

To whom, while anger in his bosom glows, With warmth replies the man of mighty woes: "Since audience mild is deign'd, permit my tongue At once to pity and resent thy wrong. My heart weeps blood to see a soul so brave Live to base insolence or power a slave, But tell me, dost thou, prince, dost thou behold, And hear their midnight revels uncontroll'd? Say, do thy subjects in bold faction rise, Or priests in fabled oracles advise? Or are thy brothers, who should aid thy power, Turn'd mean deserters in the needful hour? Oh that I were from great Ulysses sprung, Or that these wither'd nerves like thine were strung, Or, heavens! might he return! (and soon appear He shall, I trust; a hero scorns despair:) Might he return, I yield my life a prey To my worst foe, if that avenging day Be not their last: but should I lose my life, Oppress'd by numbers in the glorious strife, I chose the nobler part, and yield my breath, Rather than bear dishonor, worse than death; Than see the hand of violence invade The reverend stranger and the spotless maid; Than see the wealth of kings consumed in waste, The drunkard's revel, and the gluttons' feast."

Thus he, with anger flashing from his eye; Sincere the youthful hero made reply: "Nor leagued in factious arms my subjects rise, Nor priests in fabled oracles advise; Nor are my brothers, who should aid my power, Turn'd mean deserters in the needful hour. Ah me! I boast no brother; heaven's dread King Gives from our stock an only branch to spring: Alone Laertes reign'd Arcesius' heir, Alone Ulysses drew the vital air, And I alone the bed connubial graced, An unbless'd offspring of a sire unbless'd! Each neighbouring realm, conducive to our woe, Sends forth her peers, and every peer a foe: The court proud Samos and Dulichium fills, And lofty Zacinth crown'd with shady hills. E'en Ithaca and all her lords invade The imperial sceptre, and the regal bed: The queen, averse to love, yet awed by power, Seems half to yield, yet flies the bridal hour: Meantime their licence uncontroll'd I bear; E'en now they envy me the vital air: But Heaven will sure revenge, and gods there are.

"But go Eumaeus! to the queen impart Our safe return, and ease a mother's heart. Yet secret go; for numerous are my foes, And here at least I may in peace repose."

To whom the swain: "I hear and I obey: But old Laertes weeps his life away, And deems thee lost: shall I speed employ To bless his age: a messenger of joy? The mournful hour that tore his son away Sent the sad sire in solitude to stray; Yet busied with his slaves, to ease his woe, He dress'd the vine, and bade the garden blow, Nor food nor wine refused; but since the day That you to Pylos plough'd the watery way, Nor wine nor food he tastes; but, sunk in woes, Wild springs the vine, no more the garden blows, Shut from the walks of men, to pleasure lost, Pensive and pale he wanders half a ghost."

"Wretched old man! (with tears the prince returns) Yet cease to go—what man so blest but mourns? Were every wish indulged by favouring skies, This hour should give Ulysses to my eyes. But to the queen with speed dispatchful bear, Our safe return, and back with speed repair; And let some handmaid of her train resort To good Laertes in his rural court."

While yet he spoke, impatient of delay, He braced his sandals on, and strode away: Then from the heavens the martial goddess flies Through the wild fields of air, and cleaves the skies: In form, a virgin in soft beauty's bloom, Skill'd in the illustrious labours of the loom. Alone to Ithaca she stood display'd, But unapparent as a viewless shade Escaped Telemachus (the powers above, Seen or unseen, o'er earth at pleasure move): The dogs intelligent confess'd the tread Of power divine, and howling, trembling, fled. The goddess, beckoning, waves her deathless hands: Dauntless the king before the goddess stands:

"Then why (she said), O favour'd of the skies! Why to thy godlike son this long disguise? Stand forth reveal'd; with him thy cares employ Against thy foes; be valiant and destroy! Lo! I descend in that avenging hour, To combat by thy side, thy guardian power."

She said, and o'er him waves her wand of gold Imperial robes his manly limbs infold; At once with grace divine his frame improves; At once with majesty enlarged he moves: Youth flush'd his reddening cheek, and from his brows A length of hair in sable ringlets flows; His blackening chin receives a deeper shade; Then from his eyes upsprung the warrior-maid.

The hero reascends: the prince o'erawed Scarce lifts his eyes, and bows as to a god, Then with surprise (surprise chastised by fears): "How art thou changed! (he cried)—a god appears! Far other vests thy limbs majestic grace, Far other glories lighten from thy face! If heaven be thy abode, with pious care, Lo! I the ready sacrifice prepare: Lo! gifts of labour'd gold adorn thy shrine, To win thy grace: O save us, power divine!"

"Few are my days (Ulysses made reply), Nor I, alas! descendant of the sky. I am thy father. O my son! my son! That father, for whose sake thy days have run One scene of woe! to endless cares consign'd, And outraged by the wrongs of base mankind."

Then, rushing to his arms, he kiss'd his boy With the strong raptures of a parent's joy. Tears bathe his cheek, and tears the ground bedew: He strain'd him close, as to his breast he grew. "Ah me! (exclaims the prince with fond desire) Thou art not—no, thou canst not be my sire. Heaven such illusion only can impose, By the false joy to aggravate my woes. Who but a god can change the general doom, And give to wither'd age a youthful bloom! Late, worn with years, in weeds obscene you trod; Now, clothed in majesty, you move a god!"

"Forbear (he cried,) for Heaven reserve that name; Give to thy father but a father's claim; Other Ulysses shalt thou never see, I am Ulysses, I, my son, am he. Twice ten sad years o'er earth and ocean toss'd, 'Tis given at length to view my native coast. Pallas, unconquer'd maid, my frame surrounds With grace divine: her power admits no bounds; She o'er my limbs old age and wrinkles shed; Now strong as youth, magnificent I tread. The gods with ease frail man depress or raise, Exalt the lowly, or the proud debase."

He spoke and sate. The prince with transport flew, Hung round his neck, while tears his cheek bedew; Nor less the father pour'd a social flood; They wept abundant, and they wept aloud. As the bold eagle with fierce sorrow stung, Or parent vulture, mourns her ravish'd young; They cry, they scream, their unfledged brood a prey To some rude churl, and borne by stealth away: So they aloud: and tears in tides had run, Their grief unfinish'd with the setting sun; But checking the full torrent in its flow, The prince thus interrupts the solemn woe. "What ship transported thee, O father, say; And what bless'd hands have oar'd thee on the way?"

"All, all (Ulysses instant made reply), I tell thee all, my child, my only joy! Phaeacians bore me to the port assign'd, A nation ever to the stranger kind; Wrapp'd in the embrace of sleep, the faithful train O'er seas convey'd me to my native reign: Embroider'd vestures, gold, and brass, are laid Conceal'd in caverns in the sylvan shade. Hither, intent the rival rout to slay, And plan the scene of death, I bend my way; So Pallas wills—but thou, my son, explain The names and numbers of the audacious train; 'Tis mine to judge if better to employ Assistant force, or singly to destroy."

"O'er earth (returns the prince) resounds thy name, Thy well-tried wisdom, and thy martial fame, Yet at thy words I start, in wonder lost; Can we engage, not decades but an host? Can we alone in furious battle stand, Against that numerous and determined band? Hear then their numbers; from Dulichium came Twice twenty-six, all peers of mighty name. Six are their menial train: twice twelve the boast Of Samos; twenty from Zacynthus' coast: And twelve our country's pride; to these belong Medon and Phemius, skill'd in heavenly song. Two sewers from day to day the revels wait, Exact of taste, and serve the feast in state. With such a foe the unequal fight to try, Were by false courage unrevenged to die. Then what assistant powers you boast relate, Ere yet we mingle in the stern debate."

"Mark well my voice, (Ulysses straight replies:) What need of aids, if favour'd by the skies? If shielded to the dreadful fight we move, By mighty Pallas, and by thundering Jove?"

"Sufficient they (Telemachus rejoin'd) Against the banded powers of all mankind: They, high enthroned above the rolling clouds, Wither the strength of man, and awe the gods."

"Such aids expect (he cries,) when strong in might We rise terrific to the task of fight. But thou, when morn salutes the aerial plain, The court revisit and the lawless train: Me thither in disguise Eumaeus leads, An aged mendicant in tatter'd weeds. There, if base scorn insult my reverend age, Bear it, my son! repress thy rising rage. If outraged, cease that outrage to repel; Bear it, my son! howe'er thy heart rebel. Yet strive by prayer and counsel to restrain Their lawless insults, though thou strive in vain: For wicked ears are deaf to wisdom's call, And vengeance strikes whom Heaven has doom'd to fall. Once more attend: when she whose power inspires The thinking mind, my soul to vengeance fires, I give the sign: that instant, from beneath, Aloft convey the instruments of death, Armour and arms; and, if mistrust arise, Thus veil the truth in plausible disguise:

"'These glittering weapons, ere he sail'd to Troy, Ulysses view'd with stern heroic joy: Then, beaming o'er the illumined wall they shone; Now dust dishonours, all their lustre gone. I bear them hence (so Jove my soul inspires), From the pollution of the fuming fires; Lest when the bowl inflames, in vengeful mood Ye rush to arms, and stain the feast with blood: Oft ready swords in luckless hour incite The hand of wrath, and arm it for the fight.'

"Such be the plea, and by the plea deceive: For Jove infatuates all, and all believe. Yet leave for each of us a sword to wield, A pointed javelin, and a fenceful shield. But by my blood that in thy bosom glows, By that regard a son his father owes; The secret, that thy father lives, retain Lock'd in thy bosom from the household train; Hide it from all; e'en from Eumaeus hide, From my dear father, and my dearer bride. One care remains, to note the loyal few Whose faith yet lasts among the menial crew; And noting, ere we rise in vengeance, prove Who love his prince; for sure you merit love."

To whom the youth: "To emulate, I aim, The brave and wise, and my great father's fame. But reconsider, since the wisest err, Vengeance resolved, 'tis dangerous to defer. What length of time must we consume in vain, Too curious to explore the menial train! While the proud foes, industrious to destroy Thy wealth, in riot the delay enjoy. Suffice it in this exigence alone To mark the damsels that attend the throne: Dispersed the youth reside; their faith to prove Jove grants henceforth, if thou hast spoke from Jove."

While in debate they waste the hours away, The associates of the prince repass'd the bay: With speed they guide the vessel to the shores; With speed debarking land the naval stores: Then, faithful to their charge, to Clytius bear, And trust the presents to his friendly care. Swift to the queen a herald flies to impart Her son's return, and ease a parent's heart: Lest a sad prey to ever-musing cares, Pale grief destroy what time awhile forbears. The incautious herald with impatience burns, And cries aloud, "Thy son, O queen, returns;" Eumaeus sage approach'd the imperial throne, And breathed his mandate to her ear alone, Then measured back the way. The suitor band, Stung to the soul, abash'd, confounded, stand; And issuing from the dome, before the gate, With clouded looks, a pale assembly sate.

At length Eurymachus: "Our hopes are vain; Telemachus in triumph sails the main. Haste, rear the mast, the swelling shroud display; Haste, to our ambush'd friends the news convey!"

Scarce had he spake, when, turning to the strand, Amphinomos survey'd the associate band; Full to the bay within the winding shores With gather'd sails they stood, and lifted oars. "O friends!" he cried, elate with rising joy, "See to the port secure the vessel fly! Some god has told them, or themselves survey The bark escaped; and measure back their way."

Swift at the word descending to the shores, They moor the vessel and unlade the stores: Then, moving from the strand, apart they sate, And full and frequent form'd a dire debate.

"Lives then the boy? he lives (Antinous cries), The care of gods and favourite of the skies. All night we watch'd, till with her orient wheels Aurora flamed above the eastern hills, And from the lofty brow of rocks by day Took in the ocean with a broad survey Yet safe he sails; the powers celestial give To shun the hidden snares of death, and live. But die he shall, and thus condemn'd to bleed, Be now the scene of instant death decreed. Hope ye success? undaunted crush the foe. Is he not wise? know this, and strike the blow. Wait ye, till he to arms in council draws The Greeks, averse too justly to our cause? Strike, ere, the states convened, the foe betray Our murderous ambush on the watery way. Or choose ye vagrant from their rage to fly, Outcasts of earth, to breathe an unknown sky? The brave prevent misfortune; then be brave, And bury future danger in his grave. Returns he? ambush'd we'll his walk invade, Or where he hides in solitude and shade; And give the palace to the queen a dower, Or him she blesses in the bridal hour. But if submissive you resign the sway, Slaves to a boy, go, flatter and obey. Retire we instant to our native reign, Nor be the wealth of kings consumed in vain; Then wed whom choice approves: the queen be given To some blest prince, the prince decreed by Heaven."

Abash'd, the suitor train his voice attends; Till from his throne Amphinomus ascends, Who o'er Dulichium stretch'd his spacious reign, A land of plenty, bless'd with every grain: Chief of the numbers who the queen address'd, And though displeasing, yet displeasing least. Soft were his words; his actions wisdom sway'd; Graceful awhile he paused, then mildly said:

"O friends, forbear! and be the thought withstood: 'Tis horrible to shed imperial blood! Consult we first the all-seeing powers above, And the sure oracles of righteous Jove. If they assent, e'en by this hand he dies; If they forbid, I war not with the skies."

He said: the rival train his voice approved, And rising instant to the palace moved. Arrived, with wild tumultuous noise they sate, Recumbent on the shining thrones of state.

The Medon, conscious of their dire debates, The murderous counsel to the queen relates. Touch'd at the dreadful story, she descends: Her hasty steps a damsel train attends. Full where the dome its shining valves expands, Sudden before the rival powers she stands; And, veiling, decent, with a modest shade Her cheek, indignant to Antinous said:

"O void of faith! of all bad men the worst! Renown'd for wisdom, by the abuse accursed! Mistaking fame proclaims thy generous mind: Thy deeds denote thee of the basest kind. Wretch! to destroy a prince that friendship gives, While in his guest his murderer he receives; Nor dread superior Jove, to whom belong The cause of suppliants, and revenge of wrong. Hast thou forgot, ungrateful as thou art, Who saved thy father with a friendly part? Lawless he ravaged with his martial powers The Taphian pirates on Thesprotia's shores; Enraged, his life, his treasures they demand; Ulysses saved him from the avenger's hand. And would'st thou evil for his good repay? His bed dishonour, and his house betray? Afflict his queen, and with a murderous hand Destroy his heir!—but cease, 'tis I command."

"Far hence those fears (Eurymachus replied,) O prudent princess! bid thy soul confide. Breathes there a man who dares that hero slay, While I behold the golden light of day? No: by the righteous powers of heaven I swear, His blood in vengeance smokes upon my spear. Ulysses, when my infant days I led, With wine sufficed me, and with dainties fed: My generous soul abhors the ungrateful part, And my friend's son lives nearest to my heart. Then fear no mortal arm; if Heaven destroy, We must resign: for man is born to die."

Thus smooth he ended, yet his death conspired: Then sorrowing, with sad step the queen retired, With streaming eyes, all comfortless deplored, Touch'd with the dear remembrance of her lord: Nor ceased till Pallas bids her sorrows fly, And in soft slumber seal'd her flowing eye.

And now Eumaeus, at the evening hour, Came late, returning to his sylvan bower. Ulysses and his son had dress'd with art A yearling boar, and gave the gods their part. Holy repast! That instant from the skies The martial goddess to Ulysses flies: She waves her golden wand, and reassumes From every feature every grace that blooms; At once his vestures change; at once she sheds Age o'er his limbs, that tremble as he treads: Lest to the queen the swain with transport fly, Unable to contain the unruly joy; When near he drew, the prince breaks forth: "Proclaim What tidings, friend? what speaks the voice of fame? Say, if the suitors measure back the main, Or still in ambush thirst for blood in vain?"

"Whether (he cries) they measure back the flood, Or still in ambush thirst in vain for blood, Escaped my care: where lawless suitors sway, Thy mandate borne my soul disdain'd to stay. But from the Hermaean height I cast a view, Where to the port a bark high-bounding flew; Her freight a shining band: with martial air Each poised his shield, and each advanced his spear; And, if aright these searching eyes survey, The eluded suitors stem the watery way."

The prince, well pleased to disappoint their wiles, Steals on his sire a glance, and secret smiles. And now, a short repast prepared, they fed Till the keen rage of craving hunger fled: Then to repose withdrawn, apart they lay, And in soft sleep forgot the cares of day.



BOOK XVII.

ARGUMENT.

Telemachus returning to the city, relates to Penelope the sum of his travels. Ulysses is conducted by Eumaeus to the palace, where his old dog Argus acknowledges his master, after an absence of twenty years, and dies with joy. Eumaeus returns into the country, and Ulysses remains among the suitors, whose behaviour is described.



Soon as Aurora, daughter of the dawn, Sprinkled with roseate light the dewy lawn, In haste the prince arose, prepared to part; His hand impatient grasps the pointed dart; Fair on his feet the polish'd sandals shine, And thus he greets the master of the swine:

"My friend, adieu! let this short stay suffice; I haste to meet my mother's longing eyes, And end her tears, her sorrows and her sighs. But thou, attentive, what we order heed: This hapless stranger to the city lead: By public bounty let him there be fed, And bless the hand that stretches forth the bread. To wipe the tears from all afflicted eyes, My will may covet, but my power denies. If this raise anger in the stranger's thought, The pain of anger punishes the fault: The very truth I undisguised declare; For what so easy as to be sincere?"

To this Ulysses: "What the prince requires Of swift removal, seconds my desires. To want like mine the peopled town can yield More hopes of comfort than the lonely field: Nor fits my age to till the labour'd lands, Or stoop to tasks a rural lord demands. Adieu! but since this ragged garb can bear So ill the inclemencies of morning air, A few hours' space permit me here to stay: My steps Eumaeus shall to town convey, With riper beams when Phoebus warms the day."

Thus he: nor aught Telemachus replied, But left the mansion with a lofty stride: Schemes of revenge his pondering breast elate, Revolving deep the suitors' sudden fate, Arriving now before the imperial hall, He props his spear against the pillar'd wall; Then like a lion o'er the threshold bounds; The marble pavement with his steps resounds: His eye first glanced where Euryclea spreads With furry spoils of beasts the splendid beds: She saw, she wept, she ran with eager pace, And reach'd her master with a long embrace. All crowded round, the family appears With wild entrancement, and ecstatic tears. Swift from above descends the royal fair (Her beauteous cheeks the blush of Venus wear, Chasten'd with coy Diana's pensive air); Hangs o'er her son, in his embraces dies; Rains kisses on his neck, his face, his eyes: Few words she spoke, though much she had to say; And scarce those few, for tears, could force their way.

"Light of my eyes: he comes! unhoped-for joy! Has Heaven from Pylos brought my lovely boy? So snatch'd from all our cares!—Tell, hast thou known Thy father's fate, and tell me all thy own."

"Oh dearest! most revered of womankind! Cease with those tears to melt a manly mind (Replied the prince); nor be our fates deplored, From death and treason to thy arms restored. Go bathe, and robed in white ascend the towers; With all thy handmaids thank the immortal powers; To every god vow hecatombs to bleed. And call Jove's vengeance on their guilty deed. While to the assembled council I repair: A stranger sent by Heaven attends me there; My new accepted guest I haste to find, Now to Peiraeus' honour'd charge consign'd."

The matron heard, nor was his word in vain. She bathed; and, robed in white, with all her train, To every god vow'd hecatombs to bleed, And call'd Jove's vengeance on the guilty deed, Arm'd with his lance, the prince then pass'd the gate, Two dogs behind, a faithful guard, await; Pallas his form with grace divine improves: The gazing crowd admires him as he moves. Him, gathering round, the haughty suitors greet With semblance fair, but inward deep deceit, Their false addresses, generous, he denied. Pass'd on, and sate by faithful Mentor's side; With Antiphus, and Halitherses sage (His father's counsellors, revered for age). Of his own fortunes, and Ulysses' fame, Much ask'd the seniors; till Peiraeus came. The stranger-guest pursued him close behind; Whom when Telemachus beheld, he join'd. He (when Peiraeus ask'd for slaves to bring The gifts and treasures of the Spartan king) Thus thoughtful answer'd: "Those we shall not move, Dark and unconscious of the will of Jove; We know not yet the full event of all: Stabb'd in his palace if your prince must fall, Us, and our house, if treason must o'erthrow, Better a friend possess them than a foe; If death to these, and vengeance Heaven decree, Riches are welcome then, not else, to me. Till then retain the gifts."—The hero said, And in his hand the willing stranger led. Then disarray'd, the shining bath they sought (With unguents smooth) of polish'd marble wrought: Obedient handmaids with assistant toil Supply the limpid wave, and fragrant oil: Then o'er their limbs refulgent robes they threw, And fresh from bathing to their seats withdrew. The golden ewer a nymph attendant brings, Replenish'd from the pure translucent springs; With copious streams that golden ewer supplies A silver layer of capacious size. They wash: the table, in fair order spread, Is piled with viands and the strength of bread. Full opposite, before the folding gate, The pensive mother sits in humble state; Lowly she sate, and with dejected view The fleecy threads her ivory fingers drew. The prince and stranger shared the genial feast, Till now the rage of thirst and hunger ceased.

When thus the queen: "My son! my only friend! Say, to my mournful couch shall I ascend? (The couch deserted now a length of years; The couch for ever water'd with my tears;) Say, wilt thou not (ere yet the suitor crew Return, and riot shakes our walls anew), Say, wilt thou not the least account afford? The least glad tidings of my absent lord?"

To her the youth. "We reach'd the Pylian plains, Where Nestor, shepherd of his people, reigns. All arts of tenderness to him are known, Kind to Ulysses' race as to his own; No father with a fonder grasp of joy Strains to his bosom his long-absent boy. But all unknown, if yet Ulysses breathe, Or glide a spectre in the realms beneath; For farther search, his rapid steeds transport My lengthen'd journey to the Spartan court. There Argive Helen I beheld, whose charms (So Heaven decreed) engaged the great in arms. My cause of coming told, he thus rejoin'd; And still his words live perfect in my mind:

"'Heavens! would a soft, inglorious, dastard train An absent hero's nuptial joys profane So with her young, amid the woodland shades, A timorous hind the lion's court invades, Leaves in that fatal lair her tender fawns, And climbs the cliffs, or feeds along the lawns; Meantime returning, with remorseless sway The monarch savage rends the panting prey: With equal fury, and with equal fame, Shall great Ulysses reassert his claim. O Jove! supreme! whom men and gods revere; And thou whose lustre gilds the rolling sphere! With power congenial join'd, propitious aid The chief adopted by the martial maid! Such to our wish the warrior soon restore, As when, contending on the Lesbian shore, His prowess Philomelides confess'd, And loud acclaiming Greeks the victor bless'd: Then soon the invaders of his bed, and throne, Their love presumptuous shall by death atone. Now what you question of my ancient friend, With truth I answer; thou the truth attend. Learn what I heard the sea-born seer relate, Whose eye can pierce the dark recess of fate Sole in an isle, imprison'd by the main, The sad survivor of his numerous train, Ulysses lies; detain'd by magic charms, And press'd unwilling in Calypso's arms. No sailors there, no vessels to convey, No oars to cut the immeasurable way.' This told Atrides, and he told no more. Then safe I voyaged to my native shore."

He ceased; nor made the pensive queen reply, But droop'd her head, and drew a secret sigh. When Theoclymenus the seer began: "O suffering consort of the suffering man! What human knowledge could, those kings might tell, But I the secrets of high heaven reveal. Before the first of gods be this declared, Before the board whose blessings we have shared; Witness the genial rites, and witness all This house holds sacred in her ample wall! E'en now, this instant, great Ulysses, laid At rest, or wandering in his country's shade, Their guilty deeds, in hearing, and in view, Secret revolves; and plans the vengeance due. Of this sure auguries the gods bestow'd, When first our vessel anchor'd in your road." "Succeed those omens, Heaven! (the queen rejoin'd) So shall our bounties speak a grateful mind; And every envied happiness attend The man who calls Penelope his friend." Thus communed they: while in the marble court (Scene of their insolence) the lords resort: Athwart the spacious square each tries his art, To whirl the disk, or aim the missile dart. Now did the hour of sweet repast arrive, And from the field the victim flocks they drive: Medon the herald (one who pleased them best, And honour'd with a portion of their feast), To bid the banquet, interrupts their play: Swift to the hall they haste; aside they lay Their garments, and succinct the victims slay. Then sheep, and goats, and bristly porkers bled, And the proud steer was o'er the marble spread. While thus the copious banquet they provide, Along the road, conversing side by side, Proceed Ulysses and the faithful swain; When thus Eumaeus, generous and humane: "To town, observant of our lord's behest, Now let us speed; my friend no more my guest! Yet like myself I wish thee here preferr'd, Guard of the flock, or keeper of the herd, But much to raise my master's wrath I fear; The wrath of princes ever is severe. Then heed his will, and be our journey made While the broad beams of Phoebus are display'd, Or ere brown evening spreads her chilly shade." "Just thy advice (the prudent chief rejoin'd), And such as suits the dictate of my mind. Lead on: but help me to some staff to stay My feeble step, since rugged is the way." Across his shoulders then the scrip he flung, Wide-patch'd, and fasten'd by a twisted thong. A staff Eumaeus gave. Along the way Cheerly they fare: behind, the keepers stay: These with their watchful dogs (a constant guard) Supply his absence, and attend the herd. And now his city strikes the monarch's eyes, Alas! how changed! a man of miseries; Propp'd on a staff, a beggar old and bare In rags dishonest fluttering with the air! Now pass'd the rugged road, they journey down The cavern'd way descending to the town, Where, from the rock, with liquid drops distils A limpid fount; that spread in parting rills Its current thence to serve the city brings; An useful work, adorn'd by ancient kings. Neritus, Ithacus, Polyctor, there, In sculptured stone immortalized their care, In marble urns received it from above, And shaded with a green surrounding grove; Where silver alders, in high arches twined, Drink the cool stream, and tremble to the wind. Beneath, sequester'd to the nymphs, is seen A mossy altar, deep embower'd in green; Where constant vows by travellers are paid, And holy horrors solemnize the shade.

Here with his goats (not vow'd to sacred fame, But pamper'd luxury) Melanthias came: Two grooms attend him. With an envious look He eyed the stranger, and imperious spoke:

"The good old proverb how this pair fulfil! One rogue is usher to another still. Heaven with a secret principle endued Mankind, to seek their own similitude. Where goes the swineherd with that ill-look'd guest? That giant-glutton, dreadful at a feast! Full many a post have those broad shoulders worn, From every great man's gate repulsed with scorn: To no brave prize aspired the worthless swain, 'Twas but for scraps he ask'd, and ask'd in vain. To beg, than work, he better understands, Or we perhaps might take him off thy hands. For any office could the slave be good, To cleanse the fold, or help the kids to food. If any labour those big joints could learn, Some whey, to wash his bowels, he might earn. To cringe, to whine, his idle hands to spread, Is all, by which that graceless maw is fed. Yet hear me! if thy impudence but dare Approach yon wall, I prophesy thy fare: Dearly, full dearly, shalt thou buy thy bread With many a footstool thundering at thy head."

He thus: nor insolent of word alone, Spurn'd with his rustic heel his king unknown; Spurn'd, but not moved: he like a pillar stood, Nor stirr'd an inch, contemptuous, from the road: Doubtful, or with his staff to strike him dead, Or greet the pavement with his worthless head. Short was that doubt; to quell his rage inured, The hero stood self-conquer'd, and endured. But hateful of the wretch, Eumaeus heaved His hands obtesting, and this prayer conceived: "Daughters of Jove! who from the ethereal bowers Descend to swell the springs, and feed the flowers! Nymphs of this fountain! to whose sacred names Our rural victims mount in blazing flames! To whom Ulysses' piety preferr'd The yearly firstlings of his flock and herd; Succeed my wish, your votary restore: Oh, be some god his convoy to our shore! Due pains shall punish then this slave's offence, And humble all his airs of insolence, Who, proudly stalking, leaves the herds at large, Commences courtier, and neglects his charge."

"What mutters he? (Melanthius sharp rejoins;) This crafty miscreant, big with dark designs? The day shall come—nay, 'tis already near— When, slave! to sell thee at a price too dear Must be my care; and hence transport thee o'er, A load and scandal to this happy shore. Oh! that as surely great Apollo's dart, Or some brave suitor's sword, might pierce the heart Of the proud son; as that we stand this hour In lasting safety from the father's power!"

So spoke the wretch, but, shunning farther fray, Turn'd his proud step, and left them on their way. Straight to the feastful palace he repair'd, Familiar enter'd, and the banquet shared; Beneath Eurymachus, his patron lord, He took his place, and plenty heap'd the board.

Meantime they heard, soft circling in the sky Sweet airs ascend, and heavenly minstrelsy (For Phemius to the lyre attuned the strain): Ulysses hearken'd, then address'd the swain:

"Well may this palace admiration claim, Great and respondent to the master's fame! Stage above stage the imperial structure stands, Holds the chief honours, and the town commands: High walls and battlements the courts inclose, And the strong gates defy a host of foes. Far other cares its dwellers now employ; The throng'd assembly and the feast of joy: I see the smokes of sacrifice aspire, And hear (what graces every feast) the lyre."

Then thus Eumaeus: "Judge we which were best; Amidst yon revellers a sudden guest Choose you to mingle, while behind I stay? Or I first entering introduce the way? Wait for a space without, but wait not long; This is the house of violence and wrong: Some rude insult thy reverend age may bear; For like their lawless lords the servants are."

"Just is, O friend! thy caution, and address'd (Replied the chief, to no unheedful breast:) The wrongs and injuries of base mankind Fresh to my sense, and always in my mind. The bravely-patient to no fortune yields: On rolling oceans, and in fighting fields, Storms have I pass'd, and many a stern debate; And now in humbler scene submit to fate. What cannot want? The best she will expose, And I am learn'd in all her train of woes; She fills with navies, hosts, and loud alarms, The sea, the land, and shakes the world with arms!"

Thus, near the gates conferring as they drew, Argus, the dog, his ancient master knew: He not unconscious of the voice and tread, Lifts to the sound his ear, and rears his head; Bred by Ulysses, nourish'd at his board, But, ah! not fated long to please his lord; To him, his swiftness and his strength were vain; The voice of glory call'd him o'er the main. Till then in every sylvan chase renown'd, With Argus, Argus, rung the woods around; With him the youth pursued the goat or fawn, Or traced the mazy leveret o'er the lawn. Now left to man's ingratitude he lay, Unhoused, neglected in the public way; And where on heaps the rich manure was spread, Obscene with reptiles, took his sordid bed.

He knew his lord; he knew, and strove to meet; In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet; Yet (all he could) his tail, his tears, his eyes, Salute his master, and confess his joys. Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul; Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole, Stole unperceived: he turn'd his head and dried The drop humane: then thus impassion'd cried:

"What noble beast in this abandon'd state Lies here all helpless at Ulysses' gate? His bulk and beauty speak no vulgar praise: If, as he seems, he was in better days, Some care his age deserves; or was he prized For worthless beauty? therefore now despised; Such dogs and men there are, mere things of state; And always cherish'd by their friends, the great."

"Not Argus so, (Eumaeus thus rejoin'd,) But served a master of a nobler kind, Who, never, never shall behold him more! Long, long since perish'd on a distant shore! Oh had you seen him, vigorous, bold, and young, Swift as a stag, and as a lion strong: Him no fell savage on the plain withstood, None 'scaped him bosom'd in the gloomy wood; His eye how piercing, and his scent how true, To wind the vapour on the tainted dew! Such, when Ulysses left his natal coast: Now years unnerve him, and his lord is lost! The women keep the generous creature bare, A sleek and idle race is all their care: The master gone, the servants what restrains? Or dwells humanity where riot reigns? Jove fix'd it certain, that whatever day Makes man a slave, takes half his worth away."

This said, the honest herdsman strode before; The musing monarch pauses at the door: The dog, whom Fate had granted to behold His lord, when twenty tedious years had roll'd, Takes a last look, and having seen him, dies; So closed for ever faithful Argus' eyes!

And now Telemachus, the first of all, Observed Eumaeus entering in the hall; Distant he saw, across the shady dome; Then gave a sign, and beckon'd him to come: There stood an empty seat, where late was placed, In order due, the steward of the feast, (Who now was busied carving round the board,) Eumaeus took, and placed it near his lord. Before him instant was the banquet spread, And the bright basket piled with loaves of bread.

Next came Ulysses lowly at the door, A figure despicable, old, and poor. In squalid vests, with many a gaping rent, Propp'd or a staff, and trembling as he went. Then, resting on the threshold of the gate, Against a cypress pillar lean'd his weight Smooth'd by the workman to a polish'd plane); The thoughtful son beheld, and call'd his swain

"These viands, and this bread, Eumaeus! bear, And let yon mendicant our plenty share: And let him circle round the suitors' board, And try the bounty of each gracious lord. Bold let him ask, encouraged thus by me: How ill, alas! do want and shame agree!"

His lord's command the faithful servant bears: The seeming beggar answers with his prayers: "Bless'd be Telemachus! in every deed Inspire him. Jove! in every wish succeed!" This said, the portion from his son convey'd With smiles receiving on his scrip he laid. Long has the minstrel swept the sounding wire, He fed, and ceased when silence held the lyre. Soon as the suitors from the banquet rose, Minerva prompts the man of mighty woes To tempt their bounties with a suppliant's art, And learn the generous from the ignoble heart (Not but his soul, resentful as humane, Dooms to full vengeance all the offending train); With speaking eyes, and voice of plaintive sound, Humble he moves, imploring all around. The proud feel pity, and relief bestow, With such an image touch'd of human woe; Inquiring all, their wonder they confess, And eye the man, majestic in distress.

While thus they gaze and question with their eyes, The bold Melanthius to their thought replies: "My lords! this stranger of gigantic port The good Eumaeus usher'd to your court. Full well I mark'd the features of his face, Though all unknown his clime, or noble race."

"And is this present, swineherd! of thy band? Bring'st thou these vagrants to infest the land? (Returns Antinous with retorted eye) Objects uncouth, to check the genial joy. Enough of these our court already grace; Of giant stomach, and of famish'd face. Such guests Eumaeus to his country brings, To share our feast, and lead the life of kings."

To whom the hospitable swain rejoins: "Thy passion, prince, belies thy knowing mind. Who calls, from distant nations to his own, The poor, distinguish'd by their wants alone? Round the wide world are sought those men divine Who public structures raise, or who design; Those to whose eyes the gods their ways reveal, Or bless with salutary arts to heal; But chief to poets such respect belongs, By rival nations courted for their songs; These states invite, and mighty kings admire, Wide as the sun displays his vital fire. It is not so with want! how few that feed A wretch unhappy, merely for his need! Unjust to me, and all that serve the state, To love Ulysses is to raise thy hate. For me, suffice the approbation won Of my great mistress, and her godlike son."

To him Telemachus: "No more incense The man by nature prone to insolence: Injurious minds just answers but provoke"— Then turning to Antinous, thus he spoke: "Thanks to thy care! whose absolute command Thus drives the stranger from our court and land. Heaven bless its owner with a better mind! From envy free, to charity inclined. This both Penelope and I afford: Then, prince! be bounteous of Ulysses' board. To give another's is thy hand so slow? So much more sweet to spoil than to bestow?"

"Whence, great Telemachus! this lofty strain? (Antinous cries with insolent disdain): Portions like mine if every suitor gave, Our walls this twelvemonth should not see the slave."

He spoke, and lifting high above the board His ponderous footstool, shook it at his lord. The rest with equal hand conferr'd the bread: He fill'd his scrip, and to the threshold sped; But first before Antinous stopp'd, and said: "Bestow, my friend! thou dost not seem the worst Of all the Greeks, but prince-like and the first; Then, as in dignity, be first in worth, And I shall praise thee through the boundless earth. Once I enjoy'd in luxury of state Whate'er gives man the envied name of great; Wealth, servants, friends, were mine in better days And hospitality was then my praise; In every sorrowing soul I pour'd delight, And poverty stood smiling in my sight. But Jove, all-governing, whose only will Determines fate, and mingles good with ill, Sent me (to punish my pursuit of gain) With roving pirates o'er the Egyptian main By Egypt's silver flood our ships we moor; Our spies commission'd straight the coast explore; But impotent of mind, the lawless will The country ravage, and the natives kill. The spreading clamour to their city flies, And horse and foot in mingled tumults rise: The reddening dawn reveals the hostile fields, Horrid with bristly spears, and gleaming shields: Jove thunder'd on their side: our guilty head We turn'd to flight; the gathering vengeance spread On all parts round, and heaps on heaps lay dead. Some few the foe in servitude detain; Death ill exchanged for bondage and for pain! Unhappy me a Cyprian took aboard, And gave to Dmetor, Cyprus' haughty lord: Hither, to 'scape his chains, my course I steer, Still cursed by Fortune, and insulted here!"

To whom Antinous thus his rage express'd: "What god has plagued us with this gourmand guest? Unless at distance, wretch! thou keep behind, Another isle, than Cyprus more unkind, Another Egypt shalt thou quickly find. From all thou begg'st, a bold audacious slave; Nor all can give so much as thou canst crave. Nor wonder I, at such profusion shown; Shameless they give, who give what's not their own."

The chief, retiring: "Souls, like that in thee, Ill suits such forms of grace and dignity. Nor will that hand to utmost need afford The smallest portion of a wasteful board, Whose luxury whole patrimonies sweeps, Yet starving want, amidst the riot, weeps."

The haughty suitor with resentment burns, And, sourly smiling, this reply returns: "Take that, ere yet thou quit this princely throng; And dumb for ever be thy slanderous tongue!" He said, and high the whirling tripod flung. His shoulder-blade received the ungentle shock; He stood, and moved not, like a marble rock; But shook his thoughtful head, nor more complain'd, Sedate of soul, his character sustain'd, And inly form'd revenge; then back withdrew: Before his feet the well fill'd scrip he threw, And thus with semblance mild address'd the crew:

"May what I speak your princely minds approve, Ye peers and rivals in this noble love! Not for the hurt I grieve, but for the cause. If, when the sword our country's quarrel draws, Or if, defending what is justly dear, From Mars impartial some broad wound we bear, The generous motive dignifies the scar. But for mere want, how hard to suffer wrong! Want brings enough of other ills along! Yet, if injustice never be secure, If fiends revenge, and gods assert the poor, Death shall lay low the proud aggressor's head, And make the dust Antinous' bridal bed."

"Peace, wretch! and eat thy bread without offence (The suitor cried), or force shall drag thee hence, Scourge through the public street, and cast thee there, A mangled carcase for the hounds to tear."

His furious deed the general anger moved, All, even the worst, condemn'd; and some reproved. "Was ever chief for wars like these renown'd? Ill fits the stranger and the poor to wound. Unbless'd thy hand! if in this low disguise Wander, perhaps, some inmate of the skies; They (curious oft of mortal actions) deign In forms like these to round the earth and main, Just and unjust recording in their mind, And with sure eyes inspecting all mankind."

Telemachus, absorb'd in thought severe, Nourish'd deep anguish, though he shed no tear; But the dark brow of silent sorrow shook: While thus his mother to her virgins spoke:

"On him and his may the bright god of day That base, inhospitable blow repay!" The nurse replies: "If Jove receives my prayer, Not one survives to breathe to-morrow's air."

"All, all are foes, and mischief is their end; Antinous most to gloomy death a friend (Replies the queen): the stranger begg'd their grace, And melting pity soften'd every face; From every other hand redress he found, But fell Antinous answer'd with a wound." Amidst her maids thus spoke the prudent queen, Then bade Eumaeus call the pilgrim in. "Much of the experienced man I long to hear, If or his certain eye, or listening ear, Have learn'd the fortunes of my wandering lord?" Thus she, and good Eumaeus took the word:

"A private audience if thy grace impart, The stranger's words may ease the royal heart. His sacred eloquence in balm distils, And the soothed heart with secret pleasure fills. Three days have spent their beams, three nights have run Their silent journey, since his tale begun, Unfinish'd yet; and yet I thirst to hear! As when some heaven-taught poet charms the ear (Suspending sorrow with celestial strain Breathed from the gods to soften human pain) Time steals away with unregarded wing, And the soul hears him, though he cease to sing

"Ulysses late he saw, on Cretan ground (His fathers guest), for Minos' birth renown'd. He now but waits the wind to waft him o'er, With boundless treasure, from Thesprotia's shore."

To this the queen: "The wanderer let me hear, While yon luxurious race indulge their cheer, Devour the grazing ox, and browsing goat, And turn my generous vintage down their throat. For where's an arm, like thine, Ulysses! strong, To curb wild riot, and to punish wrong?"

She spoke. Telemachus then sneezed aloud; Constrain'd, his nostril echoed through the crowd. The smiling queen the happy omen bless'd:

"So may these impious fall, by Fate oppress'd!" Then to Eumaeus: "Bring the stranger, fly! And if my questions meet a true reply, Graced with a decent robe he shall retire, A gift in season which his wants require."

Thus spoke Penelope. Eumaeus flies In duteous haste, and to Ulysses cries: "The queen invites thee, venerable guest! A secret instinct moves her troubled breast, Of her long absent lord from thee to gain Some light, and soothe her soul's eternal pain. If true, if faithful thou, her grateful mind Of decent robes a present has design'd: So finding favour in the royal eye, Thy other wants her subjects shall supply."

"Fair truth alone (the patient man replied) My words shall dictate, and my lips shall guide. To him, to me, one common lot was given, In equal woes, alas! involved by Heaven. Much of his fates I know; but check'd by fear I stand; the hand of violence is here: Here boundless wrongs the starry skies invade, And injured suppliants seek in vain for aid. Let for a space the pensive queen attend, Nor claim my story till the sun descend; Then in such robes as suppliants may require, Composed and cheerful by the genial fire, When loud uproar and lawless riot cease, Shall her pleased ear receive my words in peace."

Swift to the queen returns the gentle swain: "And say (she cries), does fear or shame detain The cautious stranger? With the begging kind Shame suits but ill." Eumaeus thus rejoin'd:

"He only asks a more propitious hour, And shuns (who would not?) wicked men in power; At evening mild (meet season to confer) By turns to question, and by turns to hear."

"Whoe'er this guest (the prudent queen replies) His every step and every thought is wise. For men like these on earth he shall not find In all the miscreant race of human kind." Thus she. Eumaeus all her words attends, And, parting, to the suitor powers descends; There seeks Telemachus, and thus apart In whispers breathes the fondness of his heart:

"The time, my lord, invites me to repair Hence to the lodge; my charge demands my care. These sons of murder thirst thy life to take; O guard it, guard it, for thy servant's sake!"

"Thanks to my friend (he cries): but now the hour Of night draws on, go seek the rural bower: But first refresh: and at the dawn of day Hither a victim to the gods convey. Our life to Heaven's immortal powers we trust, Safe in their care, for Heaven protects the just."

Observant of his voice, Eumaeus sate And fed recumbent on a chair of state. Then instant rose, and as he moved along, 'Twas riot all amid the suitor throng, They feast, they dance, and raise the mirthful song Till now, declining towards the close of day, The sun obliquely shot his dewy ray.



BOOK XVIII.

ARGUMENT.

THE FIGHT OF ULYSSES AND IRUS.

The beggar Irus insults Ulysses; the suitors promote the quarrel, in which Irus is worsted, and miserably handled. Penelope descends, and receives the presents of the suitors. The dialogue of Ulysses with Eurymachus.



While fix'd in thought the pensive hero sate, A mendicant approach'd the royal gate; A surly vagrant of the giant kind, The stain of manhood, of a coward mind: From feast to feast, insatiate to devour, He flew, attendant on the genial hour. Him on his mother's knees, when babe he lay, She named Arnaeus on his natal day: But Irus his associates call'd the boy, Practised the common messenger to fly; Irus, a name expressive of the employ.

From his own roof, with meditated blows, He strove to drive the man of mighty woes:

"Hence, dotard! hence, and timely speed thy way, Lest dragg'd in vengeance thou repent thy stay; See how with nods assent yon princely train! But honouring age, in mercy I refrain: In peace away! lest, if persuasions fail, This arm with blows more eloquent prevail." To whom, with stern regard: "O insolence, Indecently to rail without offence! What bounty gives without a rival share; I ask, what harms not thee, to breathe this air: Alike on alms we both precarious live: And canst thou envy when the great relieve? Know, from the bounteous heavens all riches flow, And what man gives, the gods by man bestow; Proud as thou art, henceforth no more be proud, Lest I imprint my vengeance in thy blood; Old as I am, should once my fury burn, How would'st thou fly, nor e'en in thought return!"

"Mere woman-glutton! (thus the churl replied;) A tongue so flippant, with a throat so wide! Why cease I gods! to dash those teeth away, Like some wild boar's, that, greedy of his prey, Uproots the bearded corn? Rise, try the fight, Gird well thy loins, approach, and feel my might: Sure of defeat, before the peers engage: Unequal fight, when youth contends with age!"

Thus in a wordy war their tongues display More fierce intents, preluding to the fray; Antinous hears, and in a jovial vein, Thus with loud laughter to the suitor train:

"This happy day in mirth, my friends, employ, And lo! the gods conspire to crown our joy; See ready for the fight, and hand to hand, Yon surly mendicants contentious stand: Why urge we not to blows!" Well pleased they spring Swift from their seats, and thickening form a ring.

To whom Antinous: "Lo! enrich'd with blood, A kid's well-fatted entrails (tasteful food) On glowing embers lie; on him bestow The choicest portion who subdues his foe; Grant him unrivall'd in these walls to stay, The sole attendant on the genial day."

The lords applaud: Ulysses then with art, And fears well-feign'd, disguised his dauntless heart.

"Worn as I am with age, decay'd with woe; Say, is it baseness to decline the foe? Hard conflict! when calamity and age With vigorous youth, unknown to cares, engage! Yet, fearful of disgrace, to try the day Imperious hunger bids, and I obey; But swear, impartial arbiters of right, Swear to stand neutral, while we cope in fight."

The peers assent: when straight his sacred head Telemachus upraised, and sternly said: "Stranger, if prompted to chastise the wrong Of this bold insolent, confide, be strong! The injurious Greek that dares attempt a blow, That instant makes Telemachus his foe; And these my friends shall guard the sacred ties Of hospitality, for they are wise."

Then, girding his strong loins, the king prepares To close in combat, and his body bares; Broad spread his shoulders, and his nervous thighs By just degrees, like well-turn'd columns, rise Ample his chest, his arms are round and long, And each strong joint Minerva knits more strong (Attendant on her chief): the suitor-crowd With wonder gaze, and gazing speak aloud: "Irus! alas! shall Irus be no more? Black fate impends, and this the avenging hour! Gods! how his nerves a matchless strength proclaim, Swell o'er his well-strong limbs, and brace his frame!"

Then pale with fears, and sickening at the sight; They dragg'd the unwilling Irus to the fight; From his blank visage fled the coward blood, And his flesh trembled as aghast he stood.

"O that such baseness should disgrace the light? O hide it, death, in everlasting night! (Exclaims Antinous;) can a vigorous foe Meanly decline to combat age and woe? But hear me wretch! if recreant in the fray That huge bulk yield this ill-contested day, Instant thou sail'st, to Eschetus resign'd; A tyrant, fiercest of the tyrant kind, Who casts thy mangled ears and nose a prey To hungry dogs, and lops the man away."

While with indignant scorn he sternly spoke, In every joint the trembling Irus shook. Now front to front each frowning champion stands, And poises high in air his adverse hands. The chief yet doubts, or to the shades below To fell the giant at one vengeful blow, Or save his life, and soon his life to save The king resolves, for mercy sways the brave That instant Irus his huge arm extends, Full on his shoulder the rude weight descends; The sage Ulysses, fearful to disclose The hero latent in the man of woes, Check'd half his might; yet rising to the stroke, His jawbone dash'd, the crashing jawbone broke: Down dropp'd he stupid from the stunning wound; His feet extended quivering, beat the ground; His mouth and nostrils spout a purple flood; His teeth, all shatter'd, rush inmix'd with blood.

The peers transported, as outstretch'd he lies, With bursts of laughter rend the vaulted skies; Then dragg'd along, all bleeding from the wound, His length of carcase trailing prints the ground: Raised on his feet, again he reels, he falls, Till propp'd, reclining on the palace walls: Then to his hand a staff the victor gave, And thus with just reproach address'd the slave: "There terrible, affright with dogs, and reign A dreaded tyrant o'er the bestial train! But mercy to the poor and stranger show, Lest Heaven in vengeance send some mightier woe."

Scornful he spoke, and o'er his shoulder flung The broad-patch'd scrip in tatters hung Ill join'd, and knotted to a twisted thong. Then, turning short, disdain'd a further stay; But to the palace measured back the way. There, as he rested gathering in a ring, The peers with smiles address'd their unknown king: "Stranger, may Jove and all the aerial powers With every blessing crown thy happy hours! Our freedom to thy prowess'd arm we owe From bold intrusion of thy coward foe: Instant the flying sail the slave shall wing To Eschetus, the monster of a king."

While pleased he hears, Antinous bears the food, A kid's well-fatted entrails, rich with blood; The bread from canisters of shining mould Amphinomus; and wines that laugh in gold: "And oh! (he mildly cries) may Heaven display A beam of glory o'er thy future day! Alas, the brave too oft is doom'd to bear The gripes of poverty and stings of care."

To whom with thought mature the king replies: "The tongue speaks wisely, when the soul is wise: Such was thy father! in imperial state, Great without vice, that oft attends the great; Nor from the sire art thou, the son, declin'd; Then hear my words, and grace them in thy mind! Of all that breathes, or grovelling creeps on earth, Most man in vain! calamitous by birth: To-day, with power elate, in strength he blooms; The haughty creature on that power presumes: Anon from Heaven a sad reverse he feels: Untaught to bear, 'gainst Heaven the wretch rebels. For man is changeful, as his bliss or woe! Too high when prosperous, when distress'd too low. There was a day, when with the scornful great I swell'd in pomp and arrogance of state; Proud of the power that to high birth belongs; And used that power to justify my wrongs. Then let not man be proud; but firm of mind, Bear the best humbly; and the worst resign'd; Be dumb when Heaven afflicts! unlike yon train Of haughty spoilers, insolently vain; Who make their queen and all her wealth a prey: But vengeance and Ulysses wing their way. O may'st thou, favour'd by some guardian power, Far, far be distant in that deathful hour! For sure I am, if stern Ulysses breathe, These lawless riots end in blood and death."

Then to the gods the rosy juice he pours, And the drain'd goblet to the chief restores. Stung to the soul, o'ercast with holy dread, He shook the graceful honours of his head; His boding mind the future woe forestalls, In vain! by great Telemachus he falls, For Pallas seals his doom: all sad he turns To join the peers; resumes his throne, and mourns.

Meanwhile Minerva with instinctive fires Thy soul, Penelope, from Heaven inspires; With flattering hopes the suitors to betray, And seem to meet, yet fly, the bridal day: Thy husband's wonder, and thy son's to raise; And crown the mother and the wife with praise. Then, while the streaming sorrow dims her eyes, Thus, with a transient smile, the matron cries:

"Eurynome! to go where riot reigns I feel an impulse, though my soul disdains; To my loved son the snares of death to show, And in the traitor friend, unmask the foe; Who, smooth of tongue, in purpose insincere, Hides fraud in smiles, while death is ambush'd there."

"Go, warn thy son, nor be the warning vain (Replied the sagest of the royal train); But bathed, anointed, and adorn'd, descend; Powerful of charms, bid every grace attend; The tide of flowing tears awhile suppress; Tears but indulge the sorrow, not repress. Some joy remains: to thee a son is given, Such as, in fondness, parents ask of Heaven."

"Ah me! forbear!" returns the queen, "forbear, Oh! talk not, talk not of vain beauty's care; No more I bathe, since he no longer sees Those charms, for whom alone I wish to please. The day that bore Ulysses from this coast Blasted the little bloom these cheeks could boast. But instant bid Autonoe descend, Instant Hippodame our steps attend; Ill suits it female virtue, to be seen Alone, indecent, in the walks of men."

Then while Eurynome the mandate bears, From heaven Minerva shoots with guardian cares; O'er all her senses, as the couch she press'd, She pours, a pleasing, deep and death-like rest, With every beauty every feature arms, Bids her cheeks glow, and lights up all her charms; In her love-darting eyes awakes the fires (Immortal gifts! to kindle soft desires); From limb to limb an air majestic sheds, And the pure ivory o'er her bosom spreads. Such Venus shines, when with a measured bound She smoothly gliding swims the harmonious round, When with the Graces in the dance she moves, And fires the gazing gods with ardent loves.

Then to the skies her flight Minerva bends, And to the queen the damsel train descends; Waked at their steps, her flowing eyes unclose; The tears she wipes, and thus renews her woes: "Howe'er 'tis well that sleep awhile can free, With soft forgetfulness a wretch like me; Oh! were it given to yield this transient breath, Send, O Diana! send the sleep of death! Why must I waste a tedious life in tears, Nor bury in the silent grave my cares? O my Ulysses! ever honour'd name! For thee I mourn till death dissolves my frame."

Thus wailing, slow and sadly she descends, On either band a damsel train attends: Full where the dome its shining valves expands, Radiant before the gazing peers she stands; A veil translucent o'er her brow display'd, Her beauty seems, and only seems, to shade: Sudden she lightens in their dazzled eyes, And sudden flames in every bosom rise; They send their eager souls with every look. Till silence thus the imperial matron broke:

"O why! my son, why now no more appears That warmth of soul that urged thy younger years? Thy riper days no growing worth impart, A man in stature, still a boy in heart! Thy well-knit frame unprofitably strong, Speaks thee a hero, from a hero sprung: But the just gods in vain those gifts bestow, O wise alone in form, and grave in show! Heavens! could a stranger feel oppression's hand Beneath thy roof, and couldst thou tamely stand! If thou the stranger's righteous cause decline His is the sufferance, but the shame is thine."

To whom, with filial awe, the prince returns: "That generous soul with just resentment burns; Yet, taught by time, my heart has learn'd to glow For others' good, and melt at others' woe; But, impotent those riots to repel, I bear their outrage, though my soul rebel; Helpless amid the snares of death I tread, And numbers leagued in impious union dread; But now no crime is theirs: this wrong proceeds From Irus, and the guilty Irus bleeds. Oh would to Jove! or her whose arms display The shield of Jove, or him who rules the day! That yon proud suitors, who licentious tread These courts, within these courts like Irus bled: Whose loose head tottering, as with wine oppress'd, Obliquely drops, and nodding knocks his breast; Powerless to move, his staggering feet deny The coward wretch the privilege to fly."

Then to the queen Eurymachus replies: "O justly loved, and not more fair than wise! Should Greece through all her hundred states survey Thy finish'd charms, all Greece would own thy sway In rival crowds contest the glorious prize. Dispeopling realms to gaze upon thy eyes: O woman! loveliest of the lovely kind, In body perfect, and complete in mind."

"Ah me! (returns the queen) when from this shore Ulysses sail'd, then beauty was no more! The gods decreed these eyes no more should keep Their wonted grace, but only serve to weep. Should he return, whate'er my beauties prove, My virtues last; my brightest charm is love. Now, grief, thou all art mine! the gods o'ercast My soul with woes, that long, ah long must last! Too faithfully my heart retains the day That sadly tore my royal lord away: He grasp'd my hand, and, 'O, my spouse! I leave Thy arms (he cried), perhaps to find a grave: Fame speaks the Trojans bold; they boast the skill To give the feather'd arrow wings to kill, To dart the spear, and guide the rushing car With dreadful inroad through the walks of war. My sentence is gone forth, and 'tis decreed Perhaps by righteous Heaven that I must bleed! My father, mother, all I trust to three; To them, to them, transfer the love of me: But, when my son grows man, the royal sway Resign, and happy be thy bridal day!' Such were his words; and Hymen now prepares To light his torch, and give me up to cares; The afflictive hand of wrathful Jove to bear: A wretch the most complete that breathes the air! Fall'n e'en below the rights to woman due! Careless to please, with insolence ye woo! The generous lovers, studious to succeed, Bid their whole herds and flocks in banquets bleed; By precious gifts the vow sincere display: You, only you, make her ye love your prey."

Well-pleased Ulysses hears his queen deceive The suitor-train, and raise a thirst to give: False hopes she kindles, but those hopes betray, And promise, yet elude, the bridal day.

While yet she speaks, the gay Antinous cries: "Offspring of kings, and more than woman wise! 'Tis right; 'tis man's prerogative to give, And custom bids thee without shame receive; Yet never, never, from thy dome we move, Till Hymen lights the torch of spousal love."

The peers despatch'd their heralds to convey The gifts of love; with speed they take the way. A robe Antinous gives of shining dyes, The varying hues in gay confusion rise Rich from the artist's hand! Twelve clasps of gold Close to the lessening waist the vest infold! Down from the swelling loins the vest unbound Floats in bright waves redundant o'er the ground, A bracelet rich with gold, with amber gay, That shot effulgence like the solar ray, Eurymachus presents: and ear-rings bright, With triple stars, that casts a trembling light. Pisander bears a necklace wrought with art: And every peer, expressive of his heart, A gift bestows: this done, the queen ascends, And slow behind her damsel train attends.

Then to the dance they form the vocal strain, Till Hesperus leads forth the starry train; And now he raises, as the daylight fades, His golden circlet in the deepening shades: Three vases heap'd with copious fires display O'er all the palace a fictitious day; From space to space the torch wide-beaming burns, And sprightly damsels trim the rays by turns.

To whom the king: "Ill suits your sex to stay Alone with men! ye modest maids, away! Go, with the queen; the spindle guide; or cull (The partners of her cares) the silver wool; Be it my task the torches to supply E'en till the morning lamp adorns the sky; E'en till the morning, with unwearied care, Sleepless I watch; for I have learn'd to bear."

Scornful they heard: Melantho, fair and young, (Melantho, from the loins of Dolius sprung, Who with the queen her years an infant led, With the soft fondness of a daughter bred,) Chiefly derides: regardless of the cares Her queen endures, polluted joys she shares Nocturnal with Eurymachus: with eyes That speak disdain, the wanton thus replies: "Oh! whither wanders thy distemper'd brain, Thou bold intruder on a princely train? Hence, to the vagrants' rendezvous repair; Or shun in some black forge the midnight air. Proceeds this boldness from a turn of soul, Or flows licentious from the copious bowl? Is it that vanquish'd Irus swells thy mind? A foe may meet thee of a braver kind, Who, shortening with a storm of blows thy stay, Shall send thee howling all in blood away!"

To whom with frowns: "O impudent in wrong! Thy lord shall curb that insolence of tongue; Know, to Telemachus I tell the offence; The scourge, the scourge shall lash thee into sense."

With conscious shame they hear the stern rebuke, Nor longer durst sustain the sovereign look.

Then to the servile task the monarch turns His royal hands: each torch refulgent burns With added day: meanwhile in museful mood, Absorb'd in thought, on vengeance fix'd he stood. And now the martial maid, by deeper wrongs To rouse Ulysses, points the suitors' tongues: Scornful of age, to taunt the virtuous man, Thoughtless and gay, Eurymachus began:

"Hear me (he cries), confederates and friends! Some god, no doubt, this stranger kindly sends; The shining baldness of his head survey, It aids our torchlight, and reflects the ray."

Then to the king that levell'd haughty Troy: "Say, if large hire can tempt thee to employ Those hands in work; to tend the rural trade, To dress the walk, and form the embowering shade. So food and raiment constant will I give: But idly thus thy soul prefers to live, And starve by strolling, not by work to thrive."

To whom incensed: "Should we, O prince, engage In rival tasks beneath the burning rage Of summer suns; were both constrain'd to wield Foodless the scythe along the burden'd field; Or should we labour while the ploughshare wounds, With steers of equal strength, the allotted grounds, Beneath my labours, how thy wondering eyes Might see the sable field at once arise! Should Jove dire war unloose, with spear and shield, And nodding helm, I tread the ensanguined field, Fierce in the van: then wouldst thou, wouldst thou,—say,— Misname me glutton, in that glorious day? No, thy ill-judging thoughts the brave disgrace 'Tis thou injurious art, not I am base. Proud to seem brave among a coward train! But now, thou art not valorous, but vain. God! should the stern Ulysses rise in might, These gates would seem too narrow for thy flight."

While yet he speaks, Eurymachus replies, With indignation flashing from his eyes:

"Slave, I with justice might deserve the wrong, Should I not punish that opprobrious tongue. Irreverent to the great, and uncontroll'd, Art thou from wine, or innate folly, bold? Perhaps these outrages from Irus flow, A worthless triumph o'er a worthless foe!"

He said, and with full force a footstool threw; Whirl'd from his arm, with erring rage it flew: Ulysses, cautious of the vengeful foe, Stoops to the ground, and disappoints the blow. Not so a youth, who deals the goblet round, Full on his shoulder it inflicts a wound; Dash'd from his hand the sounding goblet flies, He shrieks, he reels, he falls, and breathless lies. Then wild uproar and clamour mount the sky, Till mutual thus the peers indignant cry: "Oh had this stranger sunk to realms beneath, To the black realms of darkness and of death, Ere yet he trod these shores! to strife he draws Peer against peer; and what the weighty cause? A vagabond! for him the great destroy, In vile ignoble jars, the feast of joy."

To whom the stern Telemachus uprose; "Gods! what wild folly from the goblet flows! Whence this unguarded openness of soul, But from the license of the copious bowl? Or Heaven delusion sends: but hence away! Force I forbear, and without force obey."

Silent, abash'd, they hear the stern rebuke, Till thus Amphinomus the silence broke:

"True are his words, and he whom truth offends, Not with Telemachus, but truth contends; Let not the hand of violence invade The reverend stranger, or the spotless maid; Retire we hence, but crown with rosy wine The flowing goblet to the powers divine! Guard he his guest beneath whose roof he stands: This justice, this the social rite demands."

The peers assent: the goblet Mulius crown'd With purple juice, and bore in order round: Each peer successive his libation pours To the blest gods who fill'd the ethereal bowers: Then swill'd with wine, with noise the crowds obey, And rushing forth, tumultuous reel away.



BOOK XIX.

ARGUMENT.

THE DISCOVERY OF ULYSSES TO EURYCLEA.

Ulysses and his son remove the weapons out of the armoury. Ulysses, in conversation with Penelope, gives a fictitious account of his adventures; then assures her he had formerly entertained her husband in Crete; and describes exactly his person and dress; affirms to have heard of him in Phaeacia and Thesprotia, and that his return is certain, and within a month. He then goes to bathe, and is attended by Euryclea, who discovers him to be Ulysses by the scar upon his leg, which he formerly received in hunting the wild boar on Parnassus. The poet inserts a digression relating that accident, with all its particulars.



Consulting secret with the blue-eyed maid, Still in the dome divine Ulysses stay'd: Revenge mature for act inflamed his breast; And thus the son the fervent sire address'd:

"Instant convey those steely stores of war To distant rooms, disposed with secret care: The cause demanded by the suitor-train, To soothe their fears, a specious reason feign: Say, since Ulysses left his natal coast, Obscene with smoke, their beamy lustre lost, His arms deform the roof they wont adorn: From the glad walls inglorious lumber torn. Suggest, that Jove the peaceful thought inspired, Lest they, by sight of swords to fury fired, Dishonest wounds, or violence of soul, Defame the bridal feast and friendly bowl."

The prince, obedient to the sage command, To Euryclea thus: "The female band In their apartments keep; secure the doors; These swarthy arms among the covert stores Are seemlier hid; my thoughtless youth they blame, Imbrown'd with vapour of the smouldering flame."

"In happier hour (pleased Euryclea cries), Tutour'd by early woes, grow early wise; Inspect with sharpen'd sight, and frugal care, Your patrimonial wealth, a prudent heir. But who the lighted taper will provide (The female train retired) your toils to guide?"

"Without infringing hospitable right, This guest (he cried) shall bear the guiding light: I cheer no lazy vagrants with repast; They share the meal that earn it ere they taste."

He said: from female ken she straight secures The purposed deed, and guards the bolted doors: Auxiliar to his son, Ulysses bears The plumy-crested helms and pointed spears, With shields indented deep in glorious wars. Minerva viewless on her charge attends, And with her golden lamp his toil befriends. Not such the sickly beams, which unsincere Gild the gross vapour of this nether sphere! A present deity the prince confess'd, And wrapp'd with ecstasy the sire address'd:

"What miracle thus dazzles with surprise! Distinct in rows the radiant columns rise; The walls, where'er my wondering sight I turn, And roofs, amidst a blaze of glory burn! Some visitant of pure ethereal race With his bright presence deigns the dome to grace."

"Be calm (replies the sire); to none impart, But oft revolve the vision in thy heart: Celestials, mantled in excess of light, Can visit unapproach'd by mortal sight. Seek thou repose: whilst here I sole remain, To explore the conduct of the female train: The pensive queen, perchance, desires to know The series of my toils, to soothe her woe."

With tapers flaming day his train attends, His bright alcove the obsequious youth ascends: Soft slumberous shades his drooping eyelids close, Till on her eastern throne Aurora glows.

Whilst, forming plans of death, Ulysses stay'd, In counsel secret with the martial maid, Attendant nymphs in beauteous order wait The queen, descending from her bower of state. Her cheeks the warmer blush of Venus wear, Chasten'd with coy Diana's pensive air. An ivory seat with silver ringlets graced, By famed Icmalius wrought, the menials placed: With ivory silver'd thick the footstool shone, O'er which the panther's various hide was thrown. The sovereign seat with graceful air she press'd; To different tasks their toil the nymphs address'd: The golden goblets some, and some restored From stains of luxury the polish'd board: These to remove the expiring embers came, While those with unctuous fir foment the flame.

'Twas then Melantho with imperious mien Renew'd the attack, incontinent of spleen: "Avaunt (she cried), offensive to my sight! Deem not in ambush here to lurk by night, Into the woman-state asquint to pry; A day-devourer, and an evening spy! Vagrant, begone! before this blazing brand Shall urge"—and waved it hissing in her hand.

The insulted hero rolls his wrathful eyes And "Why so turbulent of soul? (he cries;) Can these lean shrivell'd limbs, unnerved with age, These poor but honest rags, enkindle rage? In crowds, we wear the badge of hungry fate: And beg, degraded from superior state! Constrain'd a rent-charge on the rich I live; Reduced to crave the good I once could give: A palace, wealth, and slaves, I late possess'd, And all that makes the great be call'd the bless'd: My gate, an emblem of my open soul, Embraced the poor, and dealt a bounteous dole. Scorn not the sad reverse, injurious maid! 'Tis Jove's high will, and be his will obey'd! Nor think thyself exempt: that rosy prime Must share the general doom of withering time: To some new channel soon the changeful tide Of royal grace the offended queen may guide; And her loved lord unplume thy towering pride. Or, were he dead, 'tis wisdom to beware: Sweet blooms the prince beneath Apollo's care; Your deeds with quick impartial eye surveys, Potent to punish what he cannot praise."

Her keen reproach had reach'd the sovereign's ear: "Loquacious insolent! (she cries,) forbear; To thee the purpose of my soul I told; Venial discourse, unblamed, with him to hold; The storied labours of my wandering lord, To soothe my grief he haply may record: Yet him, my guest, thy venom'd rage hath stung; Thy head shall pay the forfeit of thy tongue! But thou on whom my palace cares depend, Eurynome, regard the stranger-friend: A seat, soft spread with furry spoils, prepare; Due-distant for us both to speak, and hear."

The menial fair obeys with duteous haste: A seat adorn'd with furry spoils she placed: Due-distant for discourse the hero sate; When thus the sovereign from her chair of state:

"Reveal, obsequious to my first demand, Thy name, thy lineage, and thy natal land."

He thus: "O queen! whose far-resounding fame Is bounded only by the starry frame, Consummate pattern of imperial sway, Whose pious rule a warlike race obey! In wavy gold thy summer vales are dress'd; Thy autumns bind with copious fruit oppress'd: With flocks and herds each grassy plain is stored; And fish of every fin thy seas afford: Their affluent joys the grateful realms confess; And bless the power that still delights to bless, Gracious permit this prayer, imperial dame! Forbear to know my lineage, or my name: Urge not this breast to heave, these eyes to weep; In sweet oblivion let my sorrows sleep! My woes awaked, will violate your ear, And to this gay censorious train appear A whiny vapour melting in a tear."

"Their gifts the gods resumed (the queen rejoin'd), Exterior grace, and energy of mind, When the dear partner of my nuptial joy, Auxiliar troops combined, to conquer Troy. My lord's protecting hand alone would raise My drooping verdure, and extend my praise! Peers from the distant Samian shore resort: Here with Dulichians join'd, besiege the court: Zacynthus, green with ever-shady groves, And Ithaca, presumptuous, boast their loves: Obtruding on my choice a second lord, They press the Hymenaean rite abhorr'd. Misrule thus mingling with domestic cares, I live regardless of my state affairs; Receive no stranger-guest, no poor relieve; But ever for my lord in secret grieve!— This art, instinct by some celestial power, I tried, elusive of the bridal hour:

"'Ye peers, (I cry,) who press to gain a heart, Where dead Ulysses claims no future part; Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend, Till this funeral web my labours end: Cease, till to good Laertes I bequeath A pall of state, the ornament of death. For when to fate he bows, each Grecian dame With just reproach were licensed to defame, Should he, long honour'd in supreme command, Want the last duties of a daughter's hand.' The fiction pleased; their loves I long elude; The night still ravell'd what the day renew'd: Three years successful in my heart conceal'd, My ineffectual fraud the fourth reveal'd: Befriended by my own domestic spies, The woof unwrought the suitor-train surprise. From nuptial rites they now no more recede, And fear forbids to falsify the brede. My anxious parents urge a speedy choice, And to their suffrage gain the filial voice. For rule mature, Telemachus deplores His dome dishonour'd, and exhausted stores— But, stranger! as thy days seem full of fate, Divide discourse, in turn thy birth relate: Thy port asserts thee of distinguish'd race; No poor unfather'd product of disgrace."

"Princess! (he cries,) renew'd by your command, The dear remembrance of my native land Of secret grief unseals the fruitful source; Fond tears repeat their long-forgotten course! So pays the wretch whom fate constrains to roam, The dues of nature to his natal home!— But inward on my soul let sorrow prey, Your sovereign will my duty bids obey.

"Crete awes the circling waves, a fruitful soil! And ninety cities crown the sea-born isle: Mix'd with her genuine sons, adopted names In various tongues avow their various claims: Cydonians, dreadful with the bended yew, And bold Pelasgi boast a native's due: The Dorians, plumed amid the files of war, Her foodful glebe with fierce Achaians share; Cnossus, her capital of high command; Where sceptred Minos with impartial hand Divided right: each ninth revolving year, By Jove received in council to confer. His son Deucalion bore successive sway: His son, who gave me first to view the day! The royal bed an elder issue bless'd, Idomeneus whom Ilion fields attest Of matchless deeds: untrain'd to martial toil, I lived inglorious in my native isle. Studious of peace, and Aethon is my name. 'Twas then to Crete the great Ulysses came. For elemental war, and wintry Jove, From Malea's gusty cape his navy drove To bright Lucina's fane; the shelfy coast Where loud Amnisus in the deep is lost. His vessel's moor'd (an incommodious port!) The hero speeded to the Cnossian court: Ardent the partner of his arms to find, In leagues of long commutual friendship join'd. Vain hope! ten suns had warm'd the western strand Since my brave brother, with his Cretan band, Had sail'd for Troy: but to the genial feast My honour'd roof received the royal guest: Beeves for his train the Cnossian peers assign, A public treat, with jars of generous wine. Twelve days while Boreas vex'd the aerial space, My hospitable dome he deign'd to grace: And when the north had ceased the stormy roar, He wing'd his voyage to the Phrygian shore."

Thus the fam'd hero, perfected in wiles, With fair similitude of truth beguiles The queen's attentive ear: dissolved in woe, From her bright eyes the tears unbounded flow, As snows collected on the mountain freeze; When milder regions breathe a vernal breeze, The fleecy pile obeys the whispering gales, Ends in a stream, and murmurs through the vales: So, melting with the pleasing tale he told, Down her fair cheek the copious torrent roll'd: She to her present lord laments him lost, And views that object which she wants the most, Withering at heart to see the weeping fair, His eyes look stern, and cast a gloomy stare; Of horn the stiff relentless balls appear, Or globes of iron fix'd in either sphere; Firm wisdom interdicts the softening tear. A speechless interval of grief ensues, Till thus the queen the tender theme renews.

"Stranger! that e'er thy hospitable roof Ulysses graced, confirm by faithful proof; Delineate to my view my warlike lord, His form, his habit, and his train record."

"'Tis hard (he cries,) to bring to sudden sight Ideas that have wing'd their distant flight; Rare on the mind those images are traced, Whose footsteps twenty winters have defaced: But what I can, receive.—In ample mode, A robe of military purple flow'd O'er all his frame: illustrious on his breast, The double-clasping gold the king confess'd. In the rich woof a hound, mosaic drawn, Bore on full stretch, and seized a dappled fawn; Deep in the neck his fangs indent their hold; They pant and struggle in the moving gold. Fine as a filmy web beneath it shone A vest, that dazzled like a cloudless sun: The female train who round him throng'd to gaze, In silent wonder sigh'd unwilling praise. A sabre, when the warrior press'd to part, I gave, enamell'd with Vulcanian art: A mantle purple-tinged, and radiant vest, Dimension'd equal to his size, express'd Affection grateful to my honour'd guest. A favourite herald in his train I knew, His visage solemn, sad of sable hue: Short woolly curls o'erfleeced his bending head, O'er which a promontory shoulder spread; Eurybates; in whose large soul alone Ulysses view'd an image of his own."