The Odyssey of Homer, with the Hymns, Epigrams, and Battle of the Frogs and Mice/The Odyssey/Book 14

by Homer

 

BOOK XIV.

 

ARGUMENT.

Ulysses, under the guise of a beggar, arrives at the house of Eumæus, a swineherd, the most faithful of his servants, who receives him hospitably. He gives a feigned account of himself, stating, however, that Ulysses will shortly return, pretending to have heard so from the king of the Thesprotians. He then passes the night in the swineherd's dwelling.

But he went from the haven by the rugged path up the woody country, through the wolds, where Minerva had informed him the divine swineherd [would be], who chiefly, among the servants whom divine Ulysses possessed, had a care for his livelihood. But him he found sitting in the portico, where his lofty abode was built, in a conspicuous situation, both beautiful and large, that could be run round,^[1] which the swineherd himself had built for his swine, when the king was absent, without the knowledge of his mistress and of old Laertes, with stones drawn thither,^[2] and he topped it with sloe; and outside he drove stakes all round here and there, close and frequent, having cleft the dark part.^[3] And within the abode he made twelve styes, near one another, beds for the swine; and in each were kept^[4] fifty ground-wallowing swine, females for breeding;^[5] but the males slept without, much fewer; for them the godlike^[6] suitors diminished, eating them: for the swineherd always sent the best of all the well-fatted swine; but they were three hundred and sixty [in number]. And near them four dogs always slept, like unto wild beasts, which the swineherd, chieftain of men,^[7] had nourished. But he himself about his own feet was fitting shoes, cutting a bull's skin, of a beautiful colour; but the others had now gone each a different way, three with the pasturing swine; but the fourth he had sent to the city to take a sow to the overbearing suitors through necessity; that sacrificing they might satiate their mind with flesh.

But on a sudden the dogs, practised in barking,^[8] beheld Ulysses, they indeed ran on clamouring; but Ulysses sat down with cunning, and his staff fell from his hand: there indeed he would have suffered unseemly grief at his own stall, but the swineherd following quickly with his swift feet, ran through the vestibule; and the skin fell from his hand. Then chiding the dogs, he drove them different ways with frequent stones: and he addressed the king:

"O old man, but for a little the dogs would have destroyed thee on a sudden; and thou wouldst have poured out abuse against me. And to me the gods have given other griefs and sorrows; for mourning and grieving for a godlike king I sit, and I nourish fat swine for others to eat; but he, perhaps desirous of food, wanders amongst the people and the city of foreign men, if he is still alive, and beholds the light of the sun. But follow, and let us go to the resting-place, O old man, that thou thyself, being satisfied as to thy mind with food and wine, mayest relate from whence thou art, and how many griefs thou hast undergone."

Thus having spoken, the divine swineherd led the way to the resting-place. And having brought him in, he made him sit down, and he put thick rushes^[9] under him, and he strewed over it the skin of a wild shaggy^[10] goat, there as a couch, great and thick. And Ulysses rejoiced because he had thus received him; and he spoke, and addressed [him]:

"May Jove, O stranger, and the other immortal gods, give thee whatever thou dost most wish, because thou hast kindly received me."

But him the swineherd Eumæus answering addressed: "O stranger, it is not right for me, even if a more wretched one than thou shouldst come, to dishonour a stranger; for all strangers and beggars are from Jove; but our gift is both small and friendly; for this is the custom of servants, who are always in fear, when young masters rule over them: for certainty the gods have hindered the return of him^[11] at least, who indeed loved me earnestly, and would have given me possessions, such as a kind master is used to give to his servant, a house, and allotment, and a much-wooed wife, who has served him much, and God increases^[12] his toil; as also for me this labour is increased, in which I abide. Thus my master would have profited me much, if he had grown old here; but he has perished; so I wish that the race of Helen had perished entirely, since she loosed the knees of many men: for he too went on account of the honour of Agamemnon to steed-surpassing Ilium, that he might fight with the Trojans."

Thus having spoken, he quickly fastened his cloak with a girdle; and he hastened to the styes, where the litters of pigs were kept: from thence having taken two, he brought them, and sacrificed both; and he scalded them, and cut them up, and stuck them on spits. And having cooked all, then carrying it, he set it near Ulysses, warm on the very spits; and he sprinkled white meal [over the flesh], and in an ivy cup he mixed sweet wine; and he himself sat opposite him, and encouraging addressed him:

"Eat now, O stranger, the pigs^[13] which are at hand for the servants; but the suitors are eating the fatted swine, not thinking in their minds of observation or pity. The blessed gods indeed love not impious works, but honour, justice, and the righteous works of men; and even enemies and hostile men, who make incursions on a foreign land, and unto whom Jove has given booty, and [who], having filled their ships, have each gone home, upon these also strong fear of observation falls in their minds. But they^[14] even somewhat know, and have heard some voice of a god, [about] his miserable death, since they are not willing to woo justly, nor to return to their own [house]; but securely they violently destroy his goods, nor is there any sparing. For as many nights and days as are from Jove, they never sacrifice even one victim or two only; and they waste his wine, violently drawing it off. For truly his livelihood was immense, no one of heroes, either of black Epirus, or Ithaca itself, possesses so much; nor do twenty men together possess so much wealth; but I will reckon it for thee. He has twelve herds on the continent; as many flocks of sheep, as many herds of swine, and strangers and herdsmen there feed as many large flocks of goats. And there they feed large flocks of goats, eleven in all, on the extreme part of the land; and excellent men superintend them. Each of them daily brings home a goat, whichever appears to be the best of the fatted goats. But I guard and keep these swine, and having chosen out the best of the swine, I send it away to them."

Thus he spoke; but he briskly eat the meat, and greedily drank the wine, in silence; and he planted (in mind) evils for the suitors. But when he had supped, and strengthened his mind with food, having filled the cup from which he himself drank, he^[15] gave it to him, full of wine; but he received it, and rejoiced in mind, and addressing him spoke winged words:

"O friend, who thus opulent and powerful, as thou sayest, purchased thee with his possessions? thou sayest that he perished for the sake of the honour of Agamemnon. Tell me, in case by chance I know him, who is such a one. For Jove perhaps knows this, and the other immortal gods, if having seen him I could give news of him; for over many [lands] have I wandered."

But him the swineherd, chieftain of men, immediately answered: "O old man, no man having come after wandering, bringing news of him, would persuade his wife and beloved son. But wandering fellows, in want of support, speak falsehoods^[16] to no purpose, nor do they wish to relate the truth. But whoever, having wandered, arrives at the people of Ithaca, he, coming to my mistress, speaks deceitful things. But she, having received him well, entertains him, and investigates every thing, and the tears fall from the eyes of her weeping, as is the wont of woman, when her husband perishes elsewhere. Perhaps thou, even thyself, O old man, would fabricate some story, [if any one would give thee a cloak and tunic as garments]. But the dogs and swift birds already have torn the skin from his bones; and life has left him; or him the fishes have eaten in the sea, and his bones lie upon the shore, wrapped up in much sand. Thus he perished from hence; but for all his friends hereafter sorrows are prepared, and especially for me; for I shall no longer find another master so mild, wherever I go, not if I should again come to the house of my father and mother where I was first born, and they nurtured me. Nor do I much lament for them, although desiring to behold them again with mine eyes, being in my paternal land; but regret for absent Ulysses possesses me. I have awe in naming him,^[17] O stranger, although not present; for he loved me exceedingly, and took care of me in his mind, but I call him 'honoured^[18] senior,' although at a distance."

But him much-enduring divine Ulysses addressed in turn: "O friend, since thou dost altogether deny it, nor thinkest at all that he will return, but thy mind is ever incredulous, yet I will not merely say, but [will say it] with an oath, that Ulysses returns: but let this be the reward of my good news; immediately, when he shall return to his house, [put on me a cloak and tunic, beautiful garments;] but before that, I would not receive them, although very much in want. For he is hated by me, equally with the gates of hell, who, yielding to poverty, speaks deceiving words. Now be witness, Jove, first of the gods, and the hospitable table, and the hearth of blameless Ulysses, to which I am come; surely all these things shall be performed, as I relate them: but Ulysses will return here in this same year; when this month wanes, and another begins, he will return home, and will be revenged upon him, whosoever here dishonours his wife and his noble son."

But him answering thou didst address, O swineherd Eumæus: "O old man, I shall neither pay this reward for good news, nor will Ulysses any more return home; but drink in peace, and let us be mindful of other things besides, nor put me in mind of these things: for surely my mind in my breast is grieved, whenever any one makes mention of the good king. However we will leave alone the oath; hut may Ulysses come, as I wish he should, and Penelope, and aged Laertes, and godlike Telemachus. Now again I lament unceasingly for the son, whom Ulysses begot, Telemachus: since the gods had nourished him, like unto a plant; and I said that he would not be at all inferior amongst men to his dear father, admirable as to his frame and form; but some one of the immortals has injured his mind which was equal within, or some of men; but he has gone in quest of news of his father, to divine Pylos: but for him the illustrious suitors lie in ambush as he is returning home, that the clan of godlike Arcesias may perish entirely from Ithaca without a name. But however we will leave him, whether he is wandering or flying away, and may the son of Saturn hold his hand over him. But come, do thou, O old man, relate to me thine own sorrows, and tell me this truly, that I may know it well, who art thou? from whence art thou of men? where are thy city and parents? in what kind of ship didst thou come? how did the sailors conduct thee to Ithaca? whom did they boast themselves to be? for I do not think at all that thou camest here on foot."

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Then I will tell thee these things very truly. If now we had for a long time both food and sweet wine, when we are within your lodge, to feast at ease, but should others attend to their business: I should not easily then finish, even for a whole year, telling of the sorrows of my mind, all the things whatever I have toiled through by the will of the gods. I boast myself to be of the race of spacious Crete, the son of an opulent man: but many other sons also were both nourished and born in his palace, legitimate from his wife; but me a purchased mother brought forth, a concubine, but Castor Hylacides, of whose race I boast myself to be, honoured me equally with his legitimate sons; who formerly was honoured, as a god, by the people amongst the Cretans, on account of his prosperity, and riches, and his glorious sons. But however the fates of death came bringing him to the abodes of Pluto; and his high-minded sons divided his livelihood, and cast lots [for the shares]: but to me they gave very few things, and allotted me a dwelling. But on account of my excellence I married a wife fit for wealthy men: since I neither was vain, nor cowardly in war; but now all things have failed; however I think that thou wilt know [the ear] when thou beholdest the straw:^[19] for much woe possesses me. Mars indeed and Minerva bestowed courage on me, and power to break through ranks, whenever for an ambush I chose excellent men, sowing evils for mine enemies: nor did my noble mind ever set death before mine eyes; but having leaped on far the foremost with my spear, I slew whoever of hostile men gave way to me with their feet. Such a one I was in war; but work^[20] was not agreeable to me, nor house-keeping, which nurtures noble children: but oar-equipped ships were always loved by me, and wars, and well-polished javelins, and arrows, mournful things, which are objects of shuddering to others. But to me these things were dear, these things the deity placed in my mind; for different men are delighted with different employments. For before the sons of the Grecians embarked against Troy, nine times I was commander over men, and swift ships, against foreign men: and all things turned out well for me; from these^[21] I chose out what was agreeable to my mind, and many things I afterwards obtained by lot; but my house rapidly increased, and then I became mighty and revered amongst the Cretans. But when wide-seeing Jove determined on this hateful expedition, which loosened the knees of many men, then they ordered me and illustrious Idomeneus to take the command of the ships to Troy; nor was there any contrivance to refuse it, for the clamour of the people was harsh. There indeed for nine years we sons of the Grecians waged war, but in the tenth having destroyed the city of Priam, we embarked homewards with our ships; and the deity dispersed the Grecians. But for wretched me planning Jove devised evil; for for a month only I remained delighted with my parents, and my virgin-wedded wife, and my possessions. But then my mind incited me to sail to Egypt, having well-equipped ships with godlike companions. I equipped nine ships, and quickly were the people collected together. For six days then my beloved companions feasted; but I gave [them] many victims, both to sacrifice to the gods, and to furnish a banquet for themselves. But on the seventh, embarking from spacious Crete, we sailed with a clear, beautiful north wind, easily, and as if down the stream; nor indeed was any one of my ships injured, but we sat unscathed and free from disease; and the wind and the helmsmen directed them. But on the fifth day we came to fair-streamed Egypt; and I stationed my ships, rowed on both sides, in the river Egyptus;^[22] then indeed I ordered my beloved companions to remain there near to the ships, and to draw up the ships; and I urged watches to go to watch-places. But they, yielding to insolence, following their own impulse, very quickly laid waste the beautiful fields of the Egyptians, and took away their wives and infant children, and slew them. And the clamour soon reached the city; and they, hearing the cry, came together with the shining morn: and the whole plain was filled with foot and horse, and the glittering of brass: but thunder-rejoicing Jove cast a cowardly panic upon my companions, nor did any one dare to remain opposed to them;^[23] for evils surrounded them^[24] from on every side. There they slew many of us indeed with the sharp brass, and some they led away alive, to work for them by necessity. But Jove himself put this thought in my breast, (would that I had died, and drawn on my fate there in Egypt! for calamity still then awaited me): I immediately took the well-made helmet from my head, and the shield from my shoulders, and I threw my spear out of my hand: but I came opposite the horses of the king, and taking hold of his knees I kissed them; but he freed me, and took pity on me: and having set me in his chariot, he led me home shedding tears. Many of them indeed rushed against me with their ash-shafted spears,^[25] desiring to kill me, (for they were very wroth,) but he warded them off: for he revered the anger of hospitable Jove, who is especially indignant at evil deeds. Then indeed I for seven years remained there, and collected many possessions amongst Egyptian men, for all offered gifts. But when at length the eighth year came revolving round, then a Phœnician man came, knowing deceitful things, crafty, who indeed had worked many evils for men; who took me away, over-persuading me by his wit, until we came to Phœnicia, where his houses and possessions lay. There with him I remained for a full year. But when the months and days were now finished, the year revolving round again, and the seasons came on, he set me in a sea-traversing ship, [to go] to Libya, having plotted false things, that I take freight together with him, but in order that he might transport me thither [to be sold as a slave], and receive a vast price [for me]. I attended him in the ship by necessity, although suspecting. And it ran with a clear beautiful north wind to the middle main beyond Crete: but Jove devised destruction for them. But when we had now left Crete,^[26] nor did any other land appear, but the heaven and the sea, then at length the son of Saturn reared an azure cloud above the hollow ship; and the sea grew dark^[27] beneath it. But Jove thundered frequently, and hurled a thunder-bolt upon the ship: and it was all whirled about, stricken by the thunder-bolt of Jove, and it was filled with sulphur, and all (the sailors) fell from the ship. And they, like unto gulls, were borne on the waves around the black ship: and God took away their return. But Jove gave to me in mine hands, although having griefs in mind, the unbroken mast of the azure-prowed ship, that I might still escape calamity. Clinging around this, I was borne along by the destructive winds: for nine days I was borne, but in the tenth black night a mighty rolling billow drifted me to the land of the Thesprotians. There the hero Pheidon, king of the Thesprotians, entertained me without expense: for his dear son, coming to me subdued with cold and toil, led me home, having raised me by the hand, until he reached the house of his sire. And he put on me a cloak and tunic as garments.

"There I heard of Ulysses; for he said that he entertained him, and received him kindly, as he was returning to his paternal land. And he showed me the possessions which Ulysses had collected together, brass, and gold, and much-wrought steel. And it would feed another family even to the tenth generation; so much treasure lay for him in the palace of the king. But he said that he was gone to Dodona, that he might ask the counsel of the deity from the lofty-tressed oak of Jove, how he should return to the rich people of Ithaca, having now been a long time absent, whether openly or secretly. And he swore to me myself, making libations in his house, that the ship was launched, and that his companions were ready, who should at length escort him to his dear paternal land. But me he sent away first; for a ship of the Thesprotians happened to be going to wheat-abounding Dulichium. Then he ordered them to conduct me diligently to king Acastus: but an evil plan concerning me pleased them in their mind, that I might still be in woe in addition to calamity. But when the sea-traversing ship had sailed far away from the land, they immediately plotted for me the day of slavery. They took off my cloak and tunic, my garments, and then around me threw another sordid rag, and tunic, tattered, which even thou thyself beholdest with thine eyes. But in the evening they came to the tilled-lands of Western Ithaca; there indeed they bound me down in the well-benched ship, firmly, with a well-twisted cable; but they disembarking, hastily took a supper near the shore of the sea. But the gods themselves easily bent back my bond; and wrapping a rag around my head, I descended down the polished rudder, and made my breast approach the sea: then I rowed on with both my hands, swimming, and I was very quickly out of the way, at a distance from them. Then going up where there was a thicket of a flourishing wood, I lay crouching down; but they walked about groaning greatly: but it did not appear to them to be better to search further; therefore they embarked again in the hollow ship: but the gods themselves eaisly concealed me; and leading me away, made me approach the abode of a skilful man; for still it is fated for me to live."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "Ah wretched one of strangers! thou hast excited my mind very much, relating each of these things, how much thou hast suffered, and how much thou hast wandered. But I do not think that these things are right, nor wilt thou persuade me, speaking about Ulysses; why is it fit that thou, being such a one, shouldst speak falsely, to no purpose? But I myself well know as to the return of my master, that he was very much hated by all the gods, because they did not subdue him amongst the Trojans, or in the hands of his friends, when he had spun out the toil of the war. Then for him would all the Grecians have made a tomb, and he would have obtained mighty renown, even for his son hereafter. But now the Harpies have snatched him away ingloriously. But I am out of the way amongst the swine; nor do I go to the city except by chance prudent Penelope encourages me to come, when intelligence arrives from any where. But they sitting near him, inquire every thing, both those who are grieving for our long absent king, and those who rejoice, consuming his livelihood with impunity. But to me it is not pleasant to inquire and ask, from the time since an Ætolian man deceived me by his tale, who indeed having slain a man, having wandered over much land, came to my abode; and I cherished him very much. He said that he saw him with Idomeneus amongst the Cretans, repairing his ships, which the tempests had shattered: and he said that he would come, either in the summer or the autumn, bringing many possessions, with his godlike companions. And do thou, O much-sorrowing old man, since the deity has brought thee unto me, neither gratify me at all with falsehoods, nor soothe me at all. For I shall not on that account reverence or entertain thee, but [as] fearing hospitable Jove, and pitying thee."

But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: "Surely thou hast a certain incredulous mind in thy breast, Thee alone, having made an oath, I have not brought over, nor do I persuade thee. But come now, we will make a covenant; but let the gods also, who possess Olympus, be witnesses unto both [of us]. If thy master shall return to this house, having put a cloak and tunic as garments upon me, send me to go to Dulichium, where it is pleasing to my mind [that I should go]: but if thy master shall not come, as I tell thee, having charged thy servants, cast me down a great rock, that another beggar also may avoid to flatter [with false hopes]."

But him the divine swineherd answering addressed: "O stranger, thus indeed for me there would be glory and excellence amongst men, both immediately, and for the future, if I, when I had brought thee into my tent, and bestowed hospitality on thee, I should afterwards slay thee, and take away thy dear life, willingly then should I supplicate Jove, the son of Saturn. But now it is time for supper; very soon will my companions be within, that we may prepare an abundant supper in the tent."

Thus they indeed spoke such words to one another. But the swine drew near, and the men who feed the swine came: they fenced them in their accustomed places to sleep; and an immense clamour arose from the swine entering their sty. But he, the divine swineherd, exhorted his companions: "Bring the best of the swine, that I may sacrifice it for my guest from afar; but besides we will ourselves enjoy it, who have toiled for a long time, suffering on account of the white-tusked swine; but others are consuming our labours with impunity."

Thus having spoken, he cleft wood with the hard steel; but they brought in a very fat sow of five years old; they immediately placed it on the hearth; nor was the swineherd forgetful of the immortals, (for he possessed an excellent disposition,) but, having offered the first-fruits, he threw the hair of the head of the white-tusked sow in the fire, and prayed to all the gods, that wise Ulysses might return to his home. But he struck it with a splinter of oak, lifting [it] up, which he left there, having cut it; and life left it: but they cut up and roasted it; and they quickly singed it; but the swineherd put the raw parts over the rich fat, taking away on all sides some flesh for sacrifice^[28] from the limbs. And he threw other parts in the fire, having sprinkled them with the fruit of meal, and they cut up the other parts, and stuck them on spits, and roasted them skilfully, and drew it all off:^[29] and they threw it all together on the dressers:^[30] and the swineherd stood up to carve it (for he understood in his mind what was right); and carving it, he distributed the whole into seven parts: one part, indeed, having made a vow, he gave to the Nymphs, and to Mercury, the son of Maia, and the rest he distributed to each: but he honoured Ulysses with the continuous back of the white-tusked sow: and he delighted the mind of the king; and much-planning Ulysses speaking addressed him: "Mayest thou be so dear to father Jove as thou art to me, since thou honourest me, being such a one, with good things."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "Eat, O divine one of guests, and delight thyself with these things, such as are present; for God bestows one thing, and refuses another, whatever he wills in his own mind; for he can [do] all things."

He spoke; and made the first offerings to the immortal gods: and having made a libation of dark wine, he placed it in the hands of city-destroying Ulysses, and he sat near his share. And Mesaulius portioned out bread to them, whom the swineherd himself alone^[31] had purchased, when his master was absent, without the knowledge of his mistress and of old Laertes. But he bought him from the Taphians with his own possessions. And they stretched out their hands to the viands lying ready before them: but when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, Mesaulius took away the food; and they, satiated with bread and flesh, hastened to bed. But an evil dim-mooned night came on, and Jove rained all night: and the mighty West wind, that ever brings rain, blew. And Ulysses addressed them, trying the swineherd, if any how he would take off his cloak and give it to him, or would urge some one else of his companions to do so: since he took great care of him:

"Hear me now, O Eumæus, and all ye others his companions, I shall speak some word boasting: for maddening wine encourages me, which has excited even a very wise man to sing out loudly, and has set him on to laugh affectedly,^[32] and to dance, and has given vent to a word, which was better unspoken. But since I have first cried out, I will not conceal it. Would that I were as young, and my strength as firm, as when we led an ambush under Troy, having contrived it. But Ulysses and Menelaus, the son of Atreus, led, but with them I the third ruled: for they desired me. But when indeed we came to the city and the lofty wall, we lay down near the fortifications amongst the thick bushes, crouching under our arms amongst the reeds and marsh: but an evil night came on, the North wind having fallen, frosty, but above there was snow, like as hoar-frost, cold, and ice was congealed around our shields. There all the others had cloaks and garments, and they slept quiet, wrapping round their shoulders with their shields; but I, having set out with my companions, foolishly left my cloak, since I did not suppose that it would be excessively cold: but I followed, having a shield only and a shining girdle. But when it was now the third part of the night, and the stars had departed, then I addressed Ulysses, being near me, nudging him with my elbow (but he readily listened): 'O noble son of Laertes, much-contriving Ulysses, I shall no longer be amongst the living, but the weather overcomes me; for I have not a cloak: a deity deceived me, so that I should only have one garment: but this can now no longer be avoided.' Thus I spoke, but he immediately had this plan in his mind, such a one was he to take counsel, and to fight. And speaking in a low voice, he thus addressed me: 'Be silent now, for fear some one else of the Grecians should hear thee.' He spoke, and he held his head upon his elbow, and spoke: 'Hear me, friends, a divine dream has come upon me in my sleep; for we have come very far from the ships: but let some one go to tell Agamemnon, son of Atreus, the shepherd of the people, in order that he may incite more [men] to come from the ships.' Thus he spoke, but Thoas, son of Andræmon, quickly arose, and he threw off his purple cloak, and set out to run to the ships; but I lay in his garment gladly; and golden-throned Morning shone. Would that I were now thus young, and my strength was firm, then some one of the swineherds in the stalls would give me a cloak, on both accounts, through love and through reverence of such a man: but now they disregard me, having evil garments on my body."

But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "O old man, the story is blameless for thee, as to what thou hast related, nor hast thou spoken any profitless word contrary to what is right. Therefore thou shalt not now be in want of a garment, nor of any thing else of the things that are needful for a suppliant who has undergone much, and entreats one; but in the morning thou shalt shake thine own rags about thee. For there are not many cloaks and change of garments here to put on, but one only for each man. [But when the dear son of Ulysses returns, he himself will give thee a cloak and tunic as garments, and will send thee wherever thy heart and mind commands thee."]

Thus having spoken he leaped up; and he placed a bed for him near the fire, and on it he threw skins of sheep and goats. Then Ulysses lay down; and he spread over him a thick and large cloak, which afforded him a change, to put on, when any terrible storm arose.

Thus then Ulysses slept there, and the young men slept near him, but a bed there did not please the swineherd, to sleep away from the swine: and going out, he armed himself; and Ulysses rejoiced, because indeed he took care of his property when he was at a distance. First then he girt a sharp sword around his sturdy shoulders, and put on a very thick garment, to ward off the wind, and he took the fleece of a large, well-nourished goat, and he took a sharp javelin, for a warder off of dogs and men. And he set out to lie down where the white-tusked swine slept under a hollow rock, under shelter from the North wind.

 

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1. i. e. detached.
2. Literally, "drawn." Cf. vi. 267.
3. περισχίσας, περίκοψας, Hesych. s. v.
4. Cf. Thiersch, Gk. Gr. p. 503, 58.
5. "brood females," like "brood mares," would be a more literal rendering of τοκάδες.
6. So Homer styles Paris θεοειδής. Eustath.
7. Merely a complimentary phrase, as Clarke rightly observes
8. So Hesych. Apollon. Etym. M. οἱ περὶ τὸ ὑλακτεῖν μεμορημένοι· ὅπερ ἐστιν ἶσον τῷ πεπονημένοι.
9. See Thiersch, Gk. Gr. p. 374, 29.
10. This seems preferable to Apion's interpretation, τῆς ἰόυσης θοῶς. Apollon. Lex. s. v. quotes from the Chrysa of Sophocles, ἐγὼ μίαν μὲν ἐξιονθίζω τρίχα. Cf. Alberti on Hesych. t. ii. p. 53. Etym. Magn. F. 102, A. ἴονθος, ἡ πρώτη ἐκφυσις τῶν τριχῶν. Schol. Theocr. xii. 24. φύσκαι-αἱ λεγόμεναι ἴονθοι, ἢ ὄνθοι, ὡς κατὰ τὸ ἄνθος τῆς ἡλικίας γενόμενοι ἃς ψυδρακία ἐκάλουν.
11. i. e. his own proper master, implied in ἄνακτες οἱ νέοι.
12. i. e. prospers.
13. χοίρεα seems to mean porkers, not yet fully fatted, in opposition to σιάλους. See Eustath. on vs. 81.
14. The suitors.
15. Eumæus.
16. So Cassandra says of herself in Æsch. Ag. 1195, ἢ ψευδόμαντίς εἰμι θυροκόπος φλέδων;
17. "Propter magnam beneficiorum, quæ in me contulit, copiam et benignitatem, qua me amplexus est, vel absentem solo Ulyssio nomine appellare revereor, sed vel tunc eum voco fratrem majorem, ut qua reverentia in eum sim affectus, significem." Loewe.
18. Τὸ δὲ προσφώνησίς ἐστι νεωτέρου πρὸς μείζονα, Schol. Ambros. So Hesych. ἠθεῖος—σεπτικὴ προσαγόρευσις πρὸς πρεσβύτερον.
19. i. e. seeing me in my present infirm old age, thou wilt guess what I was when young. See Loewe.
20. i. e. agriculture.
21. i. e. from the booty, the results of my labours.
22. The Nile. Cf. Pausan. ix. 40, Ὁμηρος τοῖς ἀρχαίοις ἐχρήσατο ὀνόμασιν, καθότι καὶ Ἄιγυπτον τὸν ποταμὸν εἶπεν, οὐ Νεῖλον. Loewe.
23. The Egyptians.
24. The companions of Ulysses.
25. This is the full meaning of μελίῃσιν.
26. Cf. xii. 403, sqq. Moschus, Id. ii. 127, ἡδ' ὅτε δὴ γαίης ἄπο πατρίδος ἦεν ἄνευθεν φαίνεται δ' οὐτ' ἀκτή τις ἁλίῤῥοος, οὔτ' ὄρος αἰπύ, Ἀλλ' ἀὴρ μὲν ὕπερθεν, ἔνερθε δὲ πόντος ἀπείρων.
27. So Alciphron, Op. i. 1. ἐπεφρίκει μὲν ὁ πόντος μελαινόμενος. Pacuvius, "inhorrescit mare, tenebræ conduplicantur, noctisque et nimbûm occæcat nigror."
28. I am indebted to Buttman for this correct explanation of ἀρχόμενος. See Lexil. p. 169.
29. See Buttm. Lexil. p. 304, 2.
30. I am indebted to the note of the old translator for this rendering of ἐλεοῖς, which Eustathius interprets, ταῖς μαγειρικοῖς τραπέζαις.
31. i. e. with his own money
32. Cowper well renders ἁπαλὸν γελάσαι, to titter.