with quoits and hurling small javelins on a worked pavement, where before they practised their insolence. But Antinous and godlike Eurymachus, chiefs of the suitors, had sat down, for they were by far the best in virtue. To them Noemon, son of Phronius, coming near, inquiring of Antinous with words addressed them: "Do we then know any thing in our minds, or not, O Antinous, when Telemachus returns from sandy Pylos? He has gone having taken my ship; but I have need of it, to pass over to wide-wayed Elis, where I have twelve mares, and under them untamed mules patient in toil: some one of which I would by driving subdue."
Thus he spoke; but they were astonished in their mind; for they did not suppose that he was gone to Nelean Pylos, but was present some where there in the country, or amongst the sheep, or with the swineherd.
Antinous, the son of Eupithes, immediately addressed him: "Tell me unerringly, where did he go, and what youths chosen from Ithaca followed him? Are they his own hired men and servants? And could he accomplish this? And tell me this truly, that I may know well, whether did he take away thy black ship by force against thy will, or didst thou give it him willingly, when he kindly addressed thee with words?"
But him Noemon, the son of Phronius, addressed in turn: "I gave it him willingly. What would another do, when such a man, having cares in his mind, should beg him? It would be difficult indeed to deny a gift. But those youths follow him, who excel amongst us in the people: and I perceived Mentor, or some god, (but he was in all respects like him,) embarking as captain. But I marvel at this. I saw divine Mentor here yesterday in the morning; but at that time he embarked in the ship to Pylos." Thus having spoken, he went to the house of his father. But the noble mind of both[1] of these was astonished: and the suitors sat together, and ceased their games. But Antinous, son of Eupithes, grieving, spoke amongst them; for his darkened thoughts were very much filled with rage, and his eyes were like unto shining fire.
"O gods! a great work indeed has been most daringly performed, this voyage of Telemachus; we said that it would not be accomplished by him. Against the will of so many of us, a young boy has gone away at random, having drawn out
- ↑ Antinous and Eurymachus.
