The Odyssey · Homer · openearbooks.com
Book Three
TELEMACHUS VISITS NESTOR AT PYLOS.
Butler used the Roman names common in his day, and we have restored the Greek ones Homer used, so this is Odysseus and Athena rather than Ulysses and Minerva.
Butler's translation is unabridged. His text is the 1900 revision, checked against an independent transcription of the 1898 printing, which found three errors and corrected them.
The classic translation · 1
But as the sun was rising from the fair sea into the firmament of heaven to shed light on mortals and immortals, they reached Pylos the city of Neleus. Now the people of Pylos were gathered on the sea shore to offer sacrifice of black bulls to Poseidon lord of the Earthquake. There were nine guilds with five hundred men in each, and there were nine bulls to each guild. As they were eating the inward meats and burning the thigh bones on the embers in the name of Poseidon, Telemachus and his crew arrived, furled their sails, brought their ship to anchor, and went ashore.
Plain English · 1
The sun was climbing out of the sea into the sky, bringing light to gods and men, when they reached Pylos, the city of Neleus. The people of Pylos were gathered on the shore, sacrificing black bulls to Poseidon, the lord of earthquakes. They were drawn up in nine groups of five hundred men, and every group had nine bulls. They were eating the organs and burning the thigh bones on the embers for Poseidon when Telemachus and his crew arrived. They furled their sail, brought the ship to anchor, and went ashore.
The classic translation · 2
Athena led the way and Telemachus followed her. Presently she said, “Telemachus, you must not be in the least shy or nervous; you have taken this voyage to try and find out where your father is buried and how he came by his end; so go straight up to Nestor that we may see what he has got to tell us. Beg of him to speak the truth, and he will tell no lies, for he is an excellent person.”
Plain English · 2
Athena led the way and Telemachus followed her. Then she said, "Telemachus, you must not be shy or nervous, not for a moment. You came on this voyage to find out where your father lies buried and how he died. So go straight up to Nestor and let us hear what he has to tell. Ask him for the truth. He will not lie to you. He is a good man."
The classic translation · 3
“But how, Mentor,” replied Telemachus, “dare I go up to Nestor, and how am I to address him? I have never yet been used to holding long conversations with people, and am ashamed to begin questioning one who is so much older than myself.”
Plain English · 3
"But Mentor," said Telemachus, "how can I go up to Nestor? How am I to speak to him? I am not used to talking with people at any length, and I am ashamed to start questioning a man so much older than I am."
The classic translation · 4
“Some things, Telemachus,” answered Athena, “will be suggested to you by your own instinct, and heaven will prompt you further; for I am assured that the gods have been with you from the time of your birth until now.”
Plain English · 4
"Some of it will come to you of itself, Telemachus," Athena answered, "and heaven will put the rest into your mind. I am certain the gods have been with you from the day you were born until now."
The classic translation · 5
She then went quickly on, and Telemachus followed in her steps till they reached the place where the guilds of the Pylian people were assembled. There they found Nestor sitting with his sons, while his company round him were busy getting dinner ready, and putting pieces of meat on to the spits while other pieces were cooking. When they saw the strangers they crowded round them, took them by the hand and bade them take their places. Nestor’s son Pisistratus at once offered his hand to each of them, and seated them on some soft sheepskins that were lying on the sands near his father and his brother Thrasymedes. Then he gave them their portions of the inward meats and poured wine for them into a golden cup, handing it to Athena first, and saluting her at the same time.
Plain English · 5
She went on quickly, and Telemachus followed her, until they came to where the men of Pylos were gathered in their groups. There they found Nestor sitting with his sons. His men were busy round him getting dinner ready, threading meat onto the spits while other pieces cooked. When they saw the strangers they crowded round, took them by the hand, and told them to sit down. Nestor's son Pisistratus came forward at once, gave each of them his hand, and sat them down on soft sheepskins spread on the sand, next to his father and his brother Thrasymedes. Then he served them their share of the organ meat and poured wine into a gold cup. He handed the cup to Athena first, and greeted her as he did it.
The classic translation · 6
“Offer a prayer, sir,” said he, “to King Poseidon, for it is his feast that you are joining; when you have duly prayed and made your drink offering, pass the cup to your friend that he may do so also. I doubt not that he too lifts his hands in prayer, for man cannot live without God in the world. Still he is younger than you are, and is much of an age with myself, so I will give you the precedence.”
Plain English · 6
"Say a prayer to King Poseidon, sir," he said. "It is his feast you have joined. When you have prayed and poured your drink-offering, pass the cup to your friend so that he can do the same. He prays too, I am sure. No man can live in this world without a god. But he is younger than you, about my own age, so you shall go first."
The classic translation · 7
As he spoke he handed her the cup. Athena thought it very right and proper of him to have given it to herself first; she accordingly began praying heartily to Poseidon. “O thou,” she cried, “that encirclest the earth, vouchsafe to grant the prayers of thy servants that call upon thee. More especially we pray thee send down thy grace on Nestor and on his sons; thereafter also make the rest of the Pylian people some handsome return for the goodly hecatomb they are offering you. Lastly, grant Telemachus and myself a happy issue, in respect of the matter that has brought us in our ship to Pylos.”
Plain English · 7
As he spoke he handed her the cup. Athena thought it right and proper of him to give it to her first, and she prayed hard to Poseidon. "You who hold the earth in your arms," she cried, "grant what your servants ask of you. Above all, bless Nestor and his sons. Then repay the rest of the people of Pylos handsomely for the hundred oxen they are offering you. And last, let Telemachus and me succeed in the thing that brought us here by ship."
The classic translation · 8
When she had thus made an end of praying, she handed the cup to Telemachus and he prayed likewise. By and by, when the outer meats were roasted and had been taken off the spits, the carvers gave every man his portion and they all made an excellent dinner. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Nestor, knight of Gerene, began to speak.
Plain English · 8
When she had finished praying she handed the cup to Telemachus, and he prayed in his turn. When the outer meat was roasted and drawn off the spits, the carvers gave every man his share, and they all dined well. As soon as they had eaten and drunk enough, Nestor, the horseman of Gerene, began to speak.
The classic translation · 9
“Now,” said he, “that our guests have done their dinner, it will be best to ask them who they are. Who, then, sir strangers, are you, and from what port have you sailed? Are you traders? or do you sail the seas as rovers with your hand against every man, and every man’s hand against you?”
Plain English · 9
"Now that our guests have finished their dinner," he said, "it is time to ask them who they are. Who are you, strangers? What port did you sail from? Are you traders? Or do you roam the sea as pirates, with your hands against every man, and every man's hand against you?"
The classic translation · 10
Telemachus answered boldly, for Athena had given him courage to ask about his father and get himself a good name.
Plain English · 10
Telemachus answered boldly. Athena had put courage in him, so that he could ask about his father and make a good name for himself.
The classic translation · 11
“Nestor,” said he, “son of Neleus, honour to the Achaean name, you ask whence we come, and I will tell you. We come from Ithaca under Neritum, and the matter about which I would speak is of private not public import. I seek news of my unhappy father Odysseus, who is said to have sacked the town of Troy in company with yourself. We know what fate befell each one of the other heroes who fought at Troy, but as regards Odysseus heaven has hidden from us the knowledge even that he is dead at all, for no one can certify us in what place he perished, nor say whether he fell in battle on the mainland, or was lost at sea amid the waves of Amphitrite. Therefore I am suppliant at your knees, if haply you may be pleased to tell me of his melancholy end, whether you saw it with your own eyes, or heard it from some other traveller, for he was a man born to trouble. Do not soften things out of any pity for me, but tell me in all plainness exactly what you saw. If my brave father Odysseus ever did you loyal service, either by word or deed, when you Achaeans were harassed among the Trojans, bear it in mind now as in my favour and tell me truly all.”
Plain English · 11
"Nestor, son of Neleus," he said, "honor of the Achaean name, you ask where we come from, and I will tell you. We come from Ithaca, under Mount Neritum. What I have come about is my own business, not the people's. I am looking for news of my unhappy father Odysseus. They say he sacked the town of Troy along with you. We know what happened to every other man who fought at Troy. About Odysseus, heaven has hidden even the fact of his death. Nobody can tell us where he died. Nobody can say whether he fell fighting on land, or went down at sea in the waves. So I have come to you and taken hold of your knees, as a man does when he begs for help. Tell me how he died, if you will, whether you saw it yourself or heard it from some other traveler. He was a man born to trouble. Do not soften it out of pity for me. Tell me plainly exactly what you saw. If my brave father ever served you well, in word or in deed, when the Achaeans were suffering at Troy, remember it now and tell me the whole truth."
The classic translation · 12
“My friend,” answered Nestor, “you recall a time of much sorrow to my mind, for the brave Achaeans suffered much both at sea, while privateering under Achilles, and when fighting before the great city of king Priam. Our best men all of them fell there—Ajax, Achilles, Patroclus peer of gods in counsel, and my own dear son Antilochus, a man singularly fleet of foot and in fight valiant. But we suffered much more than this; what mortal tongue indeed could tell the whole story? Though you were to stay here and question me for five years, or even six, I could not tell you all that the Achaeans suffered, and you would turn homeward weary of my tale before it ended. Nine long years did we try every kind of stratagem, but the hand of heaven was against us; during all this time there was no one who could compare with your father in subtlety—if indeed you are his son—I can hardly believe my eyes—and you talk just like him too—no one would say that people of such different ages could speak so much alike. He and I never had any kind of difference from first to last neither in camp nor council, but in singleness of heart and purpose we advised the Achaeans how all might be ordered for the best.
Plain English · 12
"My friend," Nestor answered, "you bring back a time of great sorrow to me. The Achaeans suffered heavily at sea, raiding under Achilles, and again in the fighting before the great city of King Priam. Our best men all fell there: Ajax, Achilles, Patroclus, who was the equal of a god in counsel, and my own dear son Antilochus, who could outrun any man and was brave in a fight. But we suffered far more than that. What tongue could tell the whole of it? You could stay here and question me for five years, or six, and I would still not have told you all the Achaeans suffered. You would go home weary of the story before it ended. For nine long years we tried every trick we had, and heaven was against us the whole time. In all those years there was not a man to match your father for cunning. If you really are his son. I can hardly believe my eyes. And you talk just like him too. Nobody would believe that two men so far apart in age could sound so alike. He and I never disagreed about anything, from first to last, not in camp and not at the war meetings. We were of one mind, and we advised the Achaeans how everything might be best arranged.
The classic translation · 13
“When, however, we had sacked the city of Priam, and were setting sail in our ships as heaven had dispersed us, then Zeus saw fit to vex the Achaeans on their homeward voyage; for they had not all been either wise or understanding, and hence many came to a bad end through the displeasure of Zeus’s daughter Athena, who brought about a quarrel between the two sons of Atreus.
Plain English · 13
"But when we had sacked Priam's city and were putting to sea, scattered as heaven scattered us, Zeus decided to make trouble for the Achaeans on the way home. Not all of them had been wise or right-minded, and many came to a bad end because Athena, Zeus's daughter, was angry with them. It was she who set the two sons of Atreus quarreling.
The classic translation · 14
“The sons of Atreus called a meeting which was not as it should be, for it was sunset and the Achaeans were heavy with wine. When they explained why they had called the people together, it seemed that Menelaus was for sailing homeward at once, and this displeased Agamemnon, who thought that we should wait till we had offered hecatombs to appease the anger of Athena. Fool that he was, he might have known that he would not prevail with her, for when the gods have made up their minds they do not change them lightly. So the two stood bandying hard words, whereon the Achaeans sprang to their feet with a cry that rent the air, and were of two minds as to what they should do.
Plain English · 14
"The sons of Atreus called a meeting, and it was badly done. It was sunset, and the Achaeans were heavy with wine. When they explained why they had called everyone together, it turned out that Menelaus wanted to sail for home at once. That annoyed Agamemnon, who thought we should wait until we had sacrificed a hundred oxen to calm Athena's anger. He was a fool to think so. He should have known he would not win her round. When the gods have made up their minds, they do not change them easily. So the two of them stood there trading hard words. The Achaeans jumped to their feet with a shout that split the air, and they were divided about what to do.
The classic translation · 15
“That night we rested and nursed our anger, for Zeus was hatching mischief against us. But in the morning some of us drew our ships into the water and put our goods with our women on board, while the rest, about half in number, stayed behind with Agamemnon. We—the other half—embarked and sailed; and the ships went well, for heaven had smoothed the sea. When we reached Tenedos we offered sacrifices to the gods, for we were longing to get home; cruel Zeus, however, did not yet mean that we should do so, and raised a second quarrel in the course of which some among us turned their ships back again, and sailed away under Odysseus to make their peace with Agamemnon; but I, and all the ships that were with me pressed forward, for I saw that mischief was brewing. The son of Tydeus went on also with me, and his crews with him. Later on Menelaus joined us at Lesbos, and found us making up our minds about our course—for we did not know whether to go outside Chios by the island of Psyra, keeping this to our left, or inside Chios, over against the stormy headland of Mimas. So we asked heaven for a sign, and were shown one to the effect that we should be soonest out of danger if we headed our ships across the open sea to Euboea. This we therefore did, and a fair wind sprang up which gave us a quick passage during the night to Geraestus, where we offered many sacrifices to Poseidon for having helped us so far on our way. Four days later Diomed and his men stationed their ships in Argos, but I held on for Pylos, and the wind never fell light from the day when heaven first made it fair for me.
Plain English · 15
"That night we rested and nursed our anger, for Zeus was preparing trouble for us. In the morning some of us dragged our ships down into the water and put our goods and our women aboard. The rest, about half of us, stayed behind with Agamemnon. We, the other half, went aboard and sailed. The ships went well, because heaven had smoothed the sea. When we reached Tenedos we sacrificed to the gods, we were so eager to get home. But cruel Zeus did not mean us to get there yet. He stirred up a second quarrel. Some of the men turned their ships round and sailed back under Odysseus, to make their peace with Agamemnon. I pressed on with all the ships that were with me, because I could see trouble coming. The son of Tydeus came on with me, and his crews with him. Menelaus caught up with us at Lesbos, and found us still arguing about our course. We could not decide whether to go outside Chios, by the island of Psyra, keeping it on our left, or inside Chios, past the stormy headland of Mimas. So we asked heaven for a sign. The sign told us to head straight across the open sea to Euboea, and we would soonest be out of danger. That is what we did. A fair wind sprang up and carried us quickly through the night to Geraestus, where we made many sacrifices to Poseidon for bringing us so far. Four days later Diomed and his men brought their ships in at Argos, but I held on for Pylos, and the wind never once dropped from the day heaven first made it fair for me.
The classic translation · 16
“Therefore, my dear young friend, I returned without hearing anything about the others. I know neither who got home safely nor who were lost but, as in duty bound, I will give you without reserve the reports that have reached me since I have been here in my own house. They say the Myrmidons returned home safely under Achilles’ son Neoptolemus; so also did the valiant son of Poias, Philoctetes. Idomeneus, again, lost no men at sea, and all his followers who escaped death in the field got safe home with him to Crete. No matter how far out of the world you live, you will have heard of Agamemnon and the bad end he came to at the hands of Aegisthus—and a fearful reckoning did Aegisthus presently pay. See what a good thing it is for a man to leave a son behind him to do as Orestes did, who killed false Aegisthus the murderer of his noble father. You too, then—for you are a tall smart-looking fellow—show your mettle and make yourself a name in story.”
Plain English · 16
"So, my dear young friend, I came home without hearing anything about the others. I do not know who got back safely and who was lost. But I will tell you, as I should, everything I have heard since I have been here in my own house. They say the Myrmidons got home safely under Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, and so did Philoctetes, the brave son of Poias. Idomeneus lost no men at sea, and every follower of his who lived through the fighting got home with him to Crete. However far out of the world you live, you will have heard about Agamemnon, and the bad end he came to at the hands of Aegisthus. And Aegisthus paid a fearful price for it soon after. See what a good thing it is for a man to leave a son behind him, to do what Orestes did. He killed treacherous Aegisthus, the man who had murdered his noble father. You too, then. You are a tall, sharp-looking young man. Show what you are made of, and give the singers something to sing about."
The classic translation · 17
“Nestor son of Neleus,” answered Telemachus, “honour to the Achaean name, the Achaeans applaud Orestes and his name will live through all time for he has avenged his father nobly. Would that heaven might grant me to do like vengeance on the insolence of the wicked suitors, who are ill treating me and plotting my ruin; but the gods have no such happiness in store for me and for my father, so we must bear it as best we may.”
Plain English · 17
"Nestor, son of Neleus," Telemachus answered, "honor of the Achaean name, the Achaeans do praise Orestes, and his name will live for ever, because he avenged his father nobly. I wish heaven would let me pay back the insolence of these wicked suitors in the same way. They are ill-treating me and plotting my ruin. But the gods have no such happiness in store for my father or for me, so we must bear it as best we can."
The classic translation · 18
“My friend,” said Nestor, “now that you remind me, I remember to have heard that your mother has many suitors, who are ill disposed towards you and are making havoc of your estate. Do you submit to this tamely, or are public feeling and the voice of heaven against you? Who knows but what Odysseus may come back after all, and pay these scoundrels in full, either single-handed or with a force of Achaeans behind him? If Athena were to take as great a liking to you as she did to Odysseus when we were fighting before Troy (for I never yet saw the gods so openly fond of any one as Athena then was of your father), if she would take as good care of you as she did of him, these wooers would soon some of them forget their wooing.”
Plain English · 18
"My friend," said Nestor, "now that you remind me, I do remember hearing that your mother has a crowd of suitors, who mean you no good and are wrecking your estate. Do you put up with it quietly? Or are the people and the voice of heaven against you? Who knows? Odysseus may come back after all, and pay these scoundrels in full, alone or with an army of Achaeans at his back. Suppose Athena took as great a liking to you as she took to Odysseus when we were fighting at Troy. I never saw the gods so openly fond of any man as she was of your father then. If she looked after you the way she looked after him, some of these suitors would soon forget all about courting."
The classic translation · 19
Telemachus answered, “I can expect nothing of the kind; it would be far too much to hope for. I dare not let myself think of it. Even though the gods themselves willed it no such good fortune could befall me.”
Plain English · 19
Telemachus answered, "I can expect nothing of the kind. It would be far too much to hope for. I dare not even let myself think of it. Even if the gods themselves willed it, no such good fortune could come to me."
The classic translation · 20
On this Athena said, “Telemachus, what are you talking about? Heaven has a long arm if it is minded to save a man; and if it were me, I should not care how much I suffered before getting home, provided I could be safe when I was once there. I would rather this, than get home quickly, and then be killed in my own house as Agamemnon was by the treachery of Aegisthus and his wife. Still, death is certain, and when a man’s hour is come, not even the gods can save him, no matter how fond they are of him.”
Plain English · 20
At this Athena said, "Telemachus, what are you talking about? Heaven can reach a long way when it means to save a man. If it were me, I would not care how much I suffered on the way home, so long as I was safe once I got there. I would rather that than get home quickly and be killed in my own house, as Agamemnon was, by the treachery of Aegisthus and his own wife. Still, death is certain, and when a man's hour has come, not even the gods can save him, however fond of him they are."
The classic translation · 21
“Mentor,” answered Telemachus, “do not let us talk about it any more. There is no chance of my father’s ever coming back; the gods have long since counselled his destruction. There is something else, however, about which I should like to ask Nestor, for he knows much more than any one else does. They say he has reigned for three generations so that it is like talking to an immortal. Tell me, therefore, Nestor, and tell me true; how did Agamemnon come to die in that way? What was Menelaus doing? And how came false Aegisthus to kill so far better a man than himself? Was Menelaus away from Achaean Argos, voyaging elsewhither among mankind, that Aegisthus took heart and killed Agamemnon?”
Plain English · 21
"Mentor," Telemachus answered, "let us not talk about it any more. There is no chance of my father ever coming back. The gods decided on his death long ago. There is something else, though, that I should like to ask Nestor. He knows far more than anyone else does. They say he has ruled for three generations, so that talking to him is like talking to an immortal. So tell me, Nestor, and tell me the truth. How did Agamemnon come to die like that? What was Menelaus doing? And how did treacherous Aegisthus manage to kill a far better man than himself? Was Menelaus away from Argos, traveling somewhere among other peoples, so that Aegisthus took his chance and killed him?"
The classic translation · 22
“I will tell you truly,” answered Nestor, “and indeed you have yourself divined how it all happened. If Menelaus when he got back from Troy had found Aegisthus still alive in his house, there would have been no barrow heaped up for him, not even when he was dead, but he would have been thrown outside the city to dogs and vultures, and not a woman would have mourned him, for he had done a deed of great wickedness; but we were over there, fighting hard at Troy, and Aegisthus, who was taking his ease quietly in the heart of Argos, cajoled Agamemnon’s wife Clytemnestra with incessant flattery.
Plain English · 22
"I will tell you truly," Nestor answered, "and you have half guessed it yourself already. If Menelaus had come back from Troy and found Aegisthus still alive in the house, there would have been no burial mound raised over him, not even after his death. He would have been thrown outside the city for the dogs and the vultures, and not one woman would have mourned him, because what he had done was wicked beyond measure. But we were over there, fighting hard at Troy, while Aegisthus sat comfortably in the middle of Argos, working on Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra with flattery that never stopped.
The classic translation · 23
“At first she would have nothing to do with his wicked scheme, for she was of a good natural disposition; moreover there was a bard with her, to whom Agamemnon had given strict orders on setting out for Troy, that he was to keep guard over his wife; but when heaven had counselled her destruction, Aegisthus carried this bard off to a desert island and left him there for crows and seagulls to batten upon—after which she went willingly enough to the house of Aegisthus. Then he offered many burnt sacrifices to the gods, and decorated many temples with tapestries and gilding, for he had succeeded far beyond his expectations.
Plain English · 23
"At first she would have nothing to do with his wicked scheme. She was a good woman by nature. There was a singer with her, too, whom Agamemnon had left behind with strict orders to guard his wife while he was at Troy. But when heaven had decided on her ruin, Aegisthus carried the singer off to a desert island and left him there for the crows and the gulls to feed on. After that she went to the house of Aegisthus willingly enough. Then he burned many sacrifices to the gods, and hung many temples with tapestries and gold, because he had succeeded far beyond anything he had expected.
The classic translation · 24
“Meanwhile Menelaus and I were on our way home from Troy, on good terms with one another. When we got to Sunium, which is the point of Athens, Apollo with his painless shafts killed Phrontis the steersman of Menelaus’ ship (and never man knew better how to handle a vessel in rough weather) so that he died then and there with the helm in his hand, and Menelaus, though very anxious to press forward, had to wait in order to bury his comrade and give him his due funeral rites. Presently, when he too could put to sea again, and had sailed on as far as the Malean heads, Zeus counselled evil against him and made it blow hard till the waves ran mountains high. Here he divided his fleet and took the one half towards Crete where the Cydonians dwell round about the waters of the river Iardanus. There is a high headland hereabouts stretching out into the sea from a place called Gortyn, and all along this part of the coast as far as Phaestus the sea runs high when there is a south wind blowing, but after Phaestus the coast is more protected, for a small headland can make a great shelter. Here this part of the fleet was driven on to the rocks and wrecked; but the crews just managed to save themselves. As for the other five ships, they were taken by winds and seas to Egypt, where Menelaus gathered much gold and substance among people of an alien speech. Meanwhile Aegisthus here at home plotted his evil deed. For seven years after he had killed Agamemnon he ruled in Mycene, and the people were obedient under him, but in the eighth year Orestes came back from Athens to be his bane, and killed the murderer of his father. Then he celebrated the funeral rites of his mother and of false Aegisthus by a banquet to the people of Argos, and on that very day Menelaus came home, with as much treasure as his ships could carry.
Plain English · 24
"Meanwhile Menelaus and I were on our way home from Troy, on good terms with each other. When we got to Sunium, the point of Athens, Apollo struck down Phrontis, the steersman of Menelaus's ship, with his painless arrows. No man alive knew better how to handle a vessel in rough weather. He died there with the steering oar still in his hand. Menelaus was desperate to press on, but he had to stop and bury his comrade and give him his funeral rites. When he could put to sea again, and had got as far as the headlands of Malea, Zeus turned against him. He made it blow hard, and the waves ran up like mountains. Menelaus split his fleet there and took half of it toward Crete, where the Cydonians live around the waters of the river Iardanus. There is a high headland along that coast, running out into the sea from a place called Gortyn. All the way to Phaestus the sea runs high when the south wind blows. Past Phaestus the coast is more sheltered, because even a small headland can make a great shelter. That half of the fleet was driven onto the rocks there and wrecked, though the crews just managed to save themselves. The other five ships were carried by wind and sea to Egypt, where Menelaus gathered a great deal of gold and goods among people whose language he did not speak. Meanwhile Aegisthus, back at home, was plotting his crime. For seven years after he killed Agamemnon he ruled in Mycene, and the people obeyed him. But in the eighth year Orestes came back from Athens to be his undoing, and killed the man who had murdered his father. Then he held the funeral rites for his mother and for treacherous Aegisthus, with a banquet for the people of Argos. And on that very day Menelaus came home, with as much treasure as his ships could carry.
The classic translation · 25
“Take my advice then, and do not go travelling about for long so far from home, nor leave your property with such dangerous people in your house; they will eat up everything you have among them, and you will have been on a fool’s errand. Still, I should advise you by all means to go and visit Menelaus, who has lately come off a voyage among such distant peoples as no man could ever hope to get back from, when the winds had once carried him so far out of his reckoning; even birds cannot fly the distance in a twelve-month, so vast and terrible are the seas that they must cross. Go to him, therefore, by sea, and take your own men with you; or if you would rather travel by land you can have a chariot, you can have horses, and here are my sons who can escort you to Lacedaemon where Menelaus lives. Beg of him to speak the truth, and he will tell you no lies, for he is an excellent person.”
Plain English · 25
"So take my advice. Do not go traveling about far from home for long, and do not leave your property with such dangerous men in the house. They will eat everything you own between them, and your journey will have been for nothing. Even so, I would strongly advise you to go and see Menelaus. He has just come back from a voyage among peoples so distant that no man could hope to return once the winds had carried him so far off course. Even birds could not fly that distance in a year, the seas they would have to cross are so vast and so terrible. Go to him by sea, then, and take your own men with you. Or if you would rather travel by land, you can have a chariot and horses, and my sons here can escort you to Lacedaemon, where Menelaus lives. Ask him for the truth, and he will tell you no lies. He is a good man."
The classic translation · 26
As he spoke the sun set and it came on dark, whereon Athena said, “Sir, all that you have said is well; now, however, order the tongues of the victims to be cut, and mix wine that we may make drink-offerings to Poseidon, and the other immortals, and then go to bed, for it is bed time. People should go away early and not keep late hours at a religious festival.”
Plain English · 26
As he spoke the sun set and darkness came on. Then Athena said, "Sir, everything you have said is right. But now have the tongues of the animals cut, and mix the wine, so that we can make our drink-offerings to Poseidon and the other immortals. Then let us go to bed. It is bedtime. People should leave early and not sit up late at a religious feast."
The classic translation · 27
Thus spoke the daughter of Zeus, and they obeyed her saying. Men servants poured water over the hands of the guests, while pages filled the mixing-bowls with wine and water, and handed it round after giving every man his drink offering; then they threw the tongues of the victims into the fire, and stood up to make their drink offerings. When they had made their offerings and had drunk each as much as he was minded, Athena and Telemachus were for going on board their ship, but Nestor caught them up at once and stayed them.
Plain English · 27
So spoke the daughter of Zeus, and they did as she said. Menservants poured water over the guests' hands. Boys filled the mixing bowls with wine and water and handed it round, giving every man his drink-offering. Then they threw the tongues into the fire and stood up to pour their offerings. When they had made their offerings and had drunk as much as they wanted, Athena and Telemachus were ready to go back on board their ship. But Nestor caught them up at once and stopped them.
The classic translation · 28
“Heaven and the immortal gods,” he exclaimed, “forbid that you should leave my house to go on board of a ship. Do you think I am so poor and short of clothes, or that I have so few cloaks and rugs as to be unable to find comfortable beds both for myself and for my guests? Let me tell you I have store both of rugs and cloaks, and shall not permit the son of my old friend Odysseus to camp down on the deck of a ship—not while I live—nor yet will my sons after me, but they will keep open house as I have done.”
Plain English · 28
"Heaven and the immortal gods forbid," he cried, "that you should leave my house to sleep on a ship. Do you think I am so poor, and so short of bedding, that I have not enough cloaks and rugs to give my guests and myself a comfortable night? I have plenty of rugs and cloaks, let me tell you. I will not have the son of my old friend Odysseus camping on a ship's deck. Not while I live. And not while my sons live after me, either. They will keep an open house as I have done."
The classic translation · 29
Then Athena answered, “Sir, you have spoken well, and it will be much better that Telemachus should do as you have said; he, therefore, shall return with you and sleep at your house, but I must go back to give orders to my crew, and keep them in good heart. I am the only older person among them; the rest are all young men of Telemachus’ own age, who have taken this voyage out of friendship; so I must return to the ship and sleep there. Moreover tomorrow I must go to the Cauconians where I have a large sum of money long owing to me. As for Telemachus, now that he is your guest, send him to Lacedaemon in a chariot, and let one of your sons go with him. Be pleased also to provide him with your best and fleetest horses.”
Plain English · 29
Then Athena answered, "Sir, you speak well, and Telemachus should do as you say. Let him go back with you and sleep at your house. But I must go back to my crew, to give them their orders and keep their spirits up. I am the only older man among them. The rest are all young, of Telemachus's own age, who came on this voyage out of friendship. So I must go back to the ship and sleep there. And tomorrow I must go to the Cauconians, where a large sum of money has been owed to me a long time. As for Telemachus, now that he is your guest, send him on to Lacedaemon in a chariot, and let one of your sons go with him. Give him your best and fastest horses, if you will."
The classic translation · 30
When she had thus spoken, she flew away in the form of an eagle, and all marvelled as they beheld it. Nestor was astonished, and took Telemachus by the hand. “My friend,” said he, “I see that you are going to be a great hero some day, since the gods wait upon you thus while you are still so young. This can have been none other of those who dwell in heaven than Zeus’s redoubtable daughter, the Trito-born, who shewed such favour towards your brave father among the Achaeans. Holy queen,” he continued, “vouchsafe to send down thy grace upon myself, my good wife, and my children. In return, I will offer you in sacrifice a broad-browed heifer of a year old, unbroken, and never yet brought by man under the yoke. I will gild her horns, and will offer her up to you in sacrifice.”
Plain English · 30
When she had said this she flew away in the shape of an eagle, and everyone marveled at the sight. Nestor was astonished. He took Telemachus by the hand. "My friend," he said, "I can see you are going to be a great man one day, if the gods attend on you like this while you are still so young. That can have been none of the dwellers in heaven but Athena herself, who showed such favor to your brave father among the Achaeans. Holy queen," he went on, "be pleased to send your blessing down on me, on my good wife, and on my children. In return I will sacrifice to you a broad-browed heifer, a yearling, unbroken, never yet brought under the yoke by any man. I will gild her horns and offer her up to you."
The classic translation · 31
Thus did he pray, and Athena heard his prayer. He then led the way to his own house, followed by his sons and sons in law. When they had got there and had taken their places on the benches and seats, he mixed them a bowl of sweet wine that was eleven years old when the housekeeper took the lid off the jar that held it. As he mixed the wine, he prayed much and made drink offerings to Athena, daughter of Aegis-bearing Zeus. Then, when they had made their drink offerings and had drunk each as much as he was minded, the others went home to bed each in his own abode; but Nestor put Telemachus to sleep in the room that was over the gateway along with Pisistratus, who was the only unmarried son now left him. As for himself, he slept in an inner room of the house, with the queen his wife by his side.
Plain English · 31
So he prayed, and Athena heard him. Then he led the way to his own house, with his sons and his sons-in-law behind him. When they got there and had taken their places on the benches and chairs, he mixed them a bowl of sweet wine. It had been eleven years in the jar when the housekeeper took the lid off it. As he mixed it he prayed hard, and poured drink-offerings to Athena, daughter of Zeus who carries the great shield. When they had made their offerings and had drunk as much as they wanted, the others went home to bed, each to his own house. But Nestor put Telemachus to sleep in the room over the gateway, along with Pisistratus, the only unmarried son he had left. He himself slept in an inner room of the house, with his wife the queen beside him.
The classic translation · 32
Now when the child of morning rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, Nestor left his couch and took his seat on the benches of white and polished marble that stood in front of his house. Here aforetime sat Neleus, peer of gods in counsel, but he was now dead, and had gone to the house of Hades; so Nestor sat in his seat sceptre in hand, as guardian of the public weal. His sons as they left their rooms gathered round him, Echephron, Stratius, Perseus, Aretus, and Thrasymedes; the sixth son was Pisistratus, and when Telemachus joined them they made him sit with them. Nestor then addressed them.
Plain English · 32
When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, Nestor got up from his bed and went out to sit on the benches of white polished marble in front of his house. Neleus used to sit there, a man the equal of a god for good counsel, but he was dead now and gone to the house of Hades. So Nestor sat in his place, staff in hand, as the guardian of his people. His sons came out of their rooms and gathered round him: Echephron, Stratius, Perseus, Aretus and Thrasymedes. Pisistratus was the sixth. When Telemachus joined them they made him sit down with them. Then Nestor spoke to them.
The classic translation · 33
“My sons,” said he, “make haste to do as I shall bid you. I wish first and foremost to propitiate the great goddess Athena, who manifested herself visibly to me during yesterday’s festivities. Go, then, one or other of you to the plain, tell the stockman to look me out a heifer, and come on here with it at once. Another must go to Telemachus’ ship, and invite all the crew, leaving two men only in charge of the vessel. Some one else will run and fetch Laerceus the goldsmith to gild the horns of the heifer. The rest, stay all of you where you are; tell the maids in the house to prepare an excellent dinner, and to fetch seats, and logs of wood for a burnt offering. Tell them also to bring me some clear spring water.”
Plain English · 33
"My sons," he said, "be quick and do what I tell you. Before anything else I want to win the favor of the great goddess Athena, who showed herself to me plainly at yesterday's feast. One of you go down to the plain, tell the stockman to pick me out a heifer, and bring it up here at once. Another go to Telemachus's ship and invite the whole crew, leaving only two men to look after the vessel. Someone else run and fetch Laerceus the goldsmith, to gild the heifer's horns. The rest of you stay where you are. Tell the maids to get a good dinner ready, and to bring seats and logs for the burnt offering. And tell them to bring me some clear spring water."
The classic translation · 34
On this they hurried off on their several errands. The heifer was brought in from the plain, and Telemachus’s crew came from the ship; the goldsmith brought the anvil, hammer, and tongs, with which he worked his gold, and Athena herself came to accept the sacrifice. Nestor gave out the gold, and the smith gilded the horns of the heifer that the goddess might have pleasure in their beauty. Then Stratius and Echephron brought her in by the horns; Aretus fetched water from the house in a ewer that had a flower pattern on it, and in his other hand he held a basket of barley meal; sturdy Thrasymedes stood by with a sharp axe, ready to strike the heifer, while Perseus held a bucket. Then Nestor began with washing his hands and sprinkling the barley meal, and he offered many a prayer to Athena as he threw a lock from the heifer’s head upon the fire.
Plain English · 34
They hurried off, each on his own errand. The heifer was brought in from the plain. Telemachus's crew came up from the ship. The goldsmith came with his anvil, his hammer and his tongs, the tools he worked his gold with. And Athena herself came to accept the sacrifice. Nestor handed out the gold, and the smith gilded the heifer's horns, so that the goddess might take pleasure in the sight of them. Then Stratius and Echephron led her in by the horns. Aretus fetched water from the house in a jug with a flower pattern on it, holding a basket of barley meal in his other hand. Sturdy Thrasymedes stood by with a sharp axe, ready to strike her down, and Perseus held the bucket. Nestor began by washing his hands and sprinkling the barley meal. Then he prayed hard to Athena, and threw a lock of hair from the heifer's head into the fire.
The classic translation · 35
When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley meal Thrasymedes dealt his blow, and brought the heifer down with a stroke that cut through the tendons at the base of her neck, whereon the daughters and daughters in law of Nestor, and his venerable wife Eurydice (she was eldest daughter to Clymenus) screamed with delight. Then they lifted the heifer’s head from off the ground, and Pisistratus cut her throat. When she had done bleeding and was quite dead, they cut her up. They cut out the thigh bones all in due course, wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and set some pieces of raw meat on the top of them; then Nestor laid them upon the wood fire and poured wine over them, while the young men stood near him with five-pronged spits in their hands. When the thighs were burned and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest of the meat up small, put the pieces on the spits and toasted them over the fire.
Plain English · 35
When they had finished praying and sprinkling the barley meal, Thrasymedes struck. His blow cut through the tendons at the base of her neck and brought her down. At that the daughters and daughters-in-law of Nestor, and his honored wife Eurydice, the eldest daughter of Clymenus, cried out with delight. Then they lifted the heifer's head off the ground, and Pisistratus cut her throat. When she had bled out and was quite dead, they cut her up. They cut out the thigh bones in the proper order, wrapped them in two layers of fat and laid pieces of raw meat on top. Nestor put them on the wood fire and poured wine over them, while the young men stood beside him holding five-pronged forks. When the thighs were burned and they had tasted the organ meat, they chopped the rest small, put the pieces on the spits and toasted them over the fire.
The classic translation · 36
Meanwhile lovely Polycaste, Nestor’s youngest daughter, washed Telemachus. When she had washed him and anointed him with oil, she brought him a fair mantle and shirt, and he looked like a god as he came from the bath and took his seat by the side of Nestor. When the outer meats were done they drew them off the spits and sat down to dinner where they were waited upon by some worthy henchmen, who kept pouring them out their wine in cups of gold. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink Nestor said, “Sons, put Telemachus’s horses to the chariot that he may start at once.”
Plain English · 36
Meanwhile Polycaste, Nestor's youngest daughter, bathed Telemachus. When she had washed him and rubbed him with oil, she brought him a fine cloak and shirt. He looked like a god as he came from the bath and took his seat beside Nestor. When the outer meat was done they drew it off the spits and sat down to dinner. Good servants waited on them, keeping their gold cups filled with wine. As soon as they had eaten and drunk enough, Nestor said, "Sons, harness Telemachus's horses to the chariot, so that he can start at once."
The classic translation · 37
Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had said, and yoked the fleet horses to the chariot. The housekeeper packed them up a provision of bread, wine, and sweet meats fit for the sons of princes. Then Telemachus got into the chariot, while Pisistratus gathered up the reins and took his seat beside him. He lashed the horses on and they flew forward nothing loth into the open country, leaving the high citadel of Pylos behind them. All that day did they travel, swaying the yoke upon their necks till the sun went down and darkness was over all the land. Then they reached Pherae where Diocles lived, who was son to Ortilochus and grandson to Alpheus. Here they passed the night and Diocles entertained them hospitably. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, they again yoked their horses and drove out through the gateway under the echoing gatehouse. Pisistratus lashed the horses on and they flew forward nothing loth; presently they came to the corn lands of the open country, and in the course of time completed their journey, so well did their steeds take them.
Plain English · 37
They did exactly as he told them, and yoked the fast horses to the chariot. The housekeeper packed bread, wine and sweet things for them, the kind of food fit for the sons of princes. Telemachus climbed into the chariot, and Pisistratus gathered up the reins and took his seat beside him. He whipped the horses on, and they went willingly, flying out into the open country and leaving the high citadel of Pylos behind them. They traveled all that day, the yoke swaying on the horses' necks, until the sun went down and darkness covered the land. Then they came to Pherae, where Diocles lived, the son of Ortilochus and grandson of Alpheus. They spent the night there, and Diocles entertained them well. When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, they yoked the horses again and drove out through the gateway, under the echoing gatehouse. Pisistratus whipped the horses on and they went willingly. Before long they came to the corn lands of the open country, and in time they finished their journey, so well did the horses carry them.
Reading text: plain text file. Public domain, reproduced as recorded.
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