son: and they were preparing supper skilfully,[1] having slain a pigling porker of one year old: but Minerva, standing near Ulysses, son of Laertes, having smote him with a rod, again made him an old man: and she put sad garments about his body; that the swineherd might not know him, beholding him opposite, and come telling the news to prudent Penelope, nor keep it in his mind. And to him Telemachus first addressed discourse:
"Thou art come, divine Eumæus; what is now the report through the city? are the haughty suitors now from their ambush? or do they still wait for me as I return home?"
But him thou didst address in answer, O swineherd Eumæus: "It was not a care to me to inquire and ask these things, as I was going through the city; but my mind urged me, having given my message, to return hither again as quickly as possible. But a swift messenger, a herald from thy companions, met with me, who first told the thing to thy mother. But this I know, for I beheld it with mine eyes; I was just now going beyond the city, where is the Hermæan hill,[2] when I beheld a swift ship coming down to our port; and there were many men in it; and it was heavy with shields and double-edged spears; and I thought that it was they; yet I know not [for certain]."
Thus he spoke, but the sacred might of Telemachus smiled, looking upon his father with his eyes; but he avoided the swineherd. But when they had ceased from toil, and had got ready a feast, they feasted; nor was their mind at all in want of an equal banquet. But when they had taken away the desire of drinking and eating, then they were mindful of the couch, and enjoyed the gift of sleep.
