The Odyssey · Homer · openearbooks.com
Book Four, Part Two
MEANWHILE THE SUITORS IN ITHACA PLOT AGAINST TELEMACHUS.
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
“When the child of morning rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, I took the three men on whose prowess of all kinds I could most rely, and went along by the sea-side, praying heartily to heaven. Meanwhile the goddess fetched me up four seal skins from the bottom of the sea, all of them just skinned, for she meant playing a trick upon her father. Then she dug four pits for us to lie in, and sat down to wait till we should come up. When we were close to her, she made us lie down in the pits one after the other, and threw a seal skin over each of us. Our ambuscade would have been intolerable, for the stench of the fishy seals was most distressing—who would go to bed with a sea monster if he could help it?—but here, too, the goddess helped us, and thought of something that gave us great relief, for she put some ambrosia under each man’s nostrils, which was so fragrant that it killed the smell of the seals.
Plain English · 1
"When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, I took the three men I could rely on most in any kind of trouble, and went along the shore, praying hard to heaven. Meanwhile the goddess had fetched four sealskins up from the bottom of the sea, all of them freshly skinned. She meant to play a trick on her father. She dug four pits for us to lie in, and sat down to wait until we came. When we were close to her, she made us lie down in the pits one after another and threw a sealskin over each of us. Lying in wait like that would have been unbearable. The stink of the fishy seals was dreadful. Who would go to bed with a sea monster if he could help it? But the goddess helped us there too. She thought of something that gave us great relief: she put a little ambrosia under each man's nose, and it smelled so sweet that it killed the smell of the seals.
The classic translation · 2
“We waited the whole morning and made the best of it, watching the seals come up in hundreds to bask upon the sea shore, till at noon the old man of the sea came up too, and when he had found his fat seals he went over them and counted them. We were among the first he counted, and he never suspected any guile, but laid himself down to sleep as soon as he had done counting. Then we rushed upon him with a shout and seized him; on which he began at once with his old tricks, and changed himself first into a lion with a great mane; then all of a sudden he became a dragon, a leopard, a wild boar; the next moment he was running water, and then again directly he was a tree, but we stuck to him and never lost hold, till at last the cunning old creature became distressed, and said, ‘Which of the gods was it, Son of Atreus, that hatched this plot with you for snaring me and seizing me against my will? What do you want?’
Plain English · 2
"We waited all morning and made the best of it, watching the seals come up in their hundreds to bask on the shore. At noon the old man of the sea came up as well. He found his fat seals, went over them, and counted them. We were among the first he counted. He never suspected a thing, and as soon as he had finished counting he lay down to sleep. Then we rushed at him with a shout and seized him. He began at once on his old tricks. First he turned himself into a lion with a great mane. Then all of a sudden he was a dragon, then a leopard, then a wild boar. The next moment he was running water, and straight after that he was a tree. But we stuck to him and never let go. At last the cunning old creature gave up. 'Which of the gods was it, son of Atreus,' he said, 'that hatched this plot with you, to trap me and hold me against my will? What do you want?'
The classic translation · 3
“‘You know that yourself, old man,’ I answered, ‘you will gain nothing by trying to put me off. It is because I have been kept so long in this island, and see no sign of my being able to get away. I am losing all heart; tell me, then, for you gods know everything, which of the immortals it is that is hindering me, and tell me also how I may sail the sea so as to reach my home?’
Plain English · 3
"'You know that yourself, old man,' I answered. 'You will gain nothing by trying to put me off. It is because I have been kept so long on this island, and I can see no way of getting off it. I am losing heart. Tell me, then, since you gods know everything, which of the immortals is holding me back. And tell me how I can sail the sea and reach my home.'
The classic translation · 4
“Then,’ he said, ‘if you would finish your voyage and get home quickly, you must offer sacrifices to Zeus and to the rest of the gods before embarking; for it is decreed that you shall not get back to your friends, and to your own house, till you have returned to the heaven-fed stream of Egypt, and offered holy hecatombs to the immortal gods that reign in heaven. When you have done this they will let you finish your voyage.’
Plain English · 4
"'Then,' he said, 'if you want to finish your voyage and get home quickly, you must offer sacrifices to Zeus and to the rest of the gods before you sail. It is settled that you will not get back to your friends and your own house until you have gone back to the river of Egypt, which heaven itself feeds, and offered a hundred oxen there to the immortal gods who reign in heaven. When you have done that, they will let you finish your voyage.'
The classic translation · 5
“I was broken hearted when I heard that I must go back all that long and terrible voyage to Egypt; nevertheless, I answered, ‘I will do all, old man, that you have laid upon me; but now tell me, and tell me true, whether all the Achaeans whom Nestor and I left behind us when we set sail from Troy have got home safely, or whether any one of them came to a bad end either on board his own ship or among his friends when the days of his fighting were done.’
Plain English · 5
"I was heartbroken to hear that I had to go all that long, terrible way back to Egypt. Still, I answered, 'I will do everything you have laid on me, old man. But now tell me, and tell me the truth. Did all the Achaeans get home safely, the ones Nestor and I left behind when we sailed from Troy? Or did any of them come to a bad end, either aboard his own ship or among his friends, once his fighting days were done?'
The classic translation · 6
“‘Son of Atreus,’ he answered, ‘why ask me? You had better not know what I can tell you, for your eyes will surely fill when you have heard my story. Many of those about whom you ask are dead and gone, but many still remain, and only two of the chief men among the Achaeans perished during their return home. As for what happened on the field of battle—you were there yourself. A third Achaean leader is still at sea, alive, but hindered from returning. Ajax was wrecked, for Poseidon drove him on to the great rocks of Gyrae; nevertheless, he let him get safe out of the water, and in spite of all Athena’s hatred he would have escaped death, if he had not ruined himself by boasting. He said the gods could not drown him even though they had tried to do so, and when Poseidon heard this large talk, he seized his trident in his two brawny hands, and split the rock of Gyrae in two pieces. The base remained where it was, but the part on which Ajax was sitting fell headlong into the sea and carried Ajax with it; so he drank salt water and was drowned.
Plain English · 6
"'Son of Atreus,' he answered, 'why ask me? You would be better off not knowing what I can tell you. Your eyes will fill when you have heard my story. Many of the men you are asking about are dead and gone, though many are still alive. Only two of the Achaean chiefs died on the way home. As for what happened on the battlefield, you were there yourself. A third Achaean leader is still at sea, alive, but held back from coming home. Ajax was wrecked. Poseidon drove him onto the great rocks of Gyrae, and then let him get out of the water alive. In spite of all Athena's hatred he would have escaped death, if he had not ruined himself by boasting. He said the gods could not drown him, even though they had tried. Poseidon heard the big talk, took his trident in both his great hands, and split the rock of Gyrae in two. The base stayed where it was, but the part Ajax was sitting on fell headlong into the sea and carried him down with it. So he swallowed salt water and drowned.
The classic translation · 7
“‘Your brother and his ships escaped, for Hera protected him, but when he was just about to reach the high promontory of Malea, he was caught by a heavy gale which carried him out to sea again sorely against his will, and drove him to the foreland where Thyestes used to dwell, but where Aegisthus was then living. By and by, however, it seemed as though he was to return safely after all, for the gods backed the wind into its old quarter and they reached home; whereon Agamemnon kissed his native soil, and shed tears of joy at finding himself again in his own country.
Plain English · 7
"'Your brother and his ships got away, because Hera protected him. But just as he was about to reach the high headland of Malea, a heavy gale caught him and carried him out to sea again, badly against his will. It drove him to the coast where Thyestes used to live, and where Aegisthus was living then. After a while it looked as though he would get home safely after all. The gods backed the wind round into its old quarter, and they reached land. Agamemnon kissed his native soil and wept for joy at finding himself in his own country.
The classic translation · 8
“‘Now there was a watchman whom Aegisthus kept always on the watch, and to whom he had promised two talents of gold. This man had been looking out for a whole year to make sure that Agamemnon did not give him the slip and prepare war; when, therefore, this man saw Agamemnon go by, he went and told Aegisthus, who at once began to lay a plot for him. He picked twenty of his bravest warriors and placed them in ambuscade on one side the cloister, while on the opposite side he prepared a banquet. Then he sent his chariots and horsemen to Agamemnon, and invited him to the feast, but he meant foul play. He got him there, all unsuspicious of the doom that was awaiting him, and killed him when the banquet was over as though he were butchering an ox in the shambles; not one of Agamemnon’s followers was left alive, nor yet one of Aegisthus’, but they were all killed there in the cloisters.’
Plain English · 8
"'Now Aegisthus kept a watchman permanently on the lookout, and had promised him two weights of gold. The man had been watching for a whole year, to make sure Agamemnon did not slip past him and prepare for war. So when he saw Agamemnon go by, he went and told Aegisthus, who began laying a plot for him at once. He picked twenty of his bravest fighters and hid them on one side of the covered walkway, and had a banquet prepared on the other side. Then he sent his chariots and horsemen to Agamemnon and invited him to the feast, meaning foul play all along. He got him there, with Agamemnon suspecting nothing of what was waiting for him, and killed him when the banquet was over, the way a man butchers an ox in a slaughterhouse. Not one of Agamemnon's followers was left alive, and not one of Aegisthus's either. They were all killed there in the covered walkway.'
The classic translation · 9
“Thus spoke Proteus, and I was broken hearted as I heard him. I sat down upon the sands and wept; I felt as though I could no longer bear to live nor look upon the light of the sun. Presently, when I had had my fill of weeping and writhing upon the ground, the old man of the sea said, ‘Son of Atreus, do not waste any more time in crying so bitterly; it can do no manner of good; find your way home as fast as ever you can, for Aegisthus may be still alive, and even though Orestes has been beforehand with you in killing him, you may yet come in for his funeral.’
Plain English · 9
"So spoke Proteus, and I was heartbroken to hear it. I sat down on the sand and wept. I felt as if I could not bear to live any longer, or look at the light of the sun. When I had had my fill of weeping and writhing on the ground, the old man of the sea said, 'Son of Atreus, do not waste any more time crying so bitterly. It can do no good at all. Get home as fast as you possibly can. Aegisthus may still be alive, and even if Orestes has got in ahead of you and killed him, you may still be in time for the funeral.'
The classic translation · 10
“On this I took comfort in spite of all my sorrow, and said, ‘I know, then, about these two; tell me, therefore, about the third man of whom you spoke; is he still alive, but at sea, and unable to get home? or is he dead? Tell me, no matter how much it may grieve me.’
Plain English · 10
"That comforted me, in spite of all my sorrow, and I said, 'So I know about those two. Now tell me about the third man you spoke of. Is he still alive, but at sea and unable to get home? Or is he dead? Tell me, however much it grieves me.'
The classic translation · 11
“‘The third man,’ he answered, ‘is Odysseus who dwells in Ithaca. I can see him in an island sorrowing bitterly in the house of the nymph Calypso, who is keeping him prisoner, and he cannot reach his home for he has no ships nor sailors to take him over the sea. As for your own end, Menelaus, you shall not die in Argos, but the gods will take you to the Elysian plain, which is at the ends of the world. There fair-haired Rhadamanthus reigns, and men lead an easier life than any where else in the world, for in Elysium there falls not rain, nor hail, nor snow, but Oceanus breathes ever with a West wind that sings softly from the sea, and gives fresh life to all men. This will happen to you because you have married Helen, and are Zeus’s son-in-law.’
Plain English · 11
"'The third man,' he answered, 'is Odysseus, who lives in Ithaca. I can see him on an island, grieving bitterly in the house of the nymph Calypso, who is keeping him prisoner. He cannot get home, because he has no ships and no sailors to carry him over the sea. As for your own end, Menelaus, you will not die in Argos. The gods will take you to the Elysian plain, which lies at the ends of the world. Fair-haired Rhadamanthus rules there, and men live an easier life than anywhere else in the world. No rain falls in Elysium, no hail and no snow. Ocean breathes a west wind there that sings softly off the sea and gives fresh life to every man. This will happen to you because you married Helen, and are Zeus's son-in-law.'
The classic translation · 12
“As he spoke he dived under the waves, whereon I turned back to the ships with my companions, and my heart was clouded with care as I went along. When we reached the ships we got supper ready, for night was falling, and camped down upon the beach. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, we drew our ships into the water, and put our masts and sails within them; then we went on board ourselves, took our seats on the benches, and smote the grey sea with our oars. I again stationed my ships in the heaven-fed stream of Egypt, and offered hecatombs that were full and sufficient. When I had thus appeased heaven’s anger, I raised a barrow to the memory of Agamemnon that his name might live for ever, after which I had a quick passage home, for the gods sent me a fair wind.
Plain English · 12
"With that he dived under the waves. I turned back to the ships with my companions, and my heart was heavy with worry as I went. When we reached the ships we got supper ready, because night was falling, and camped down on the beach. When Dawn, the rosy-fingered child of morning, appeared, we dragged our ships down into the water and put the masts and sails inside them. Then we went aboard, took our seats on the benches, and rowed across the gray sea. I brought my ships back to the river of Egypt, which heaven feeds, and offered up a hundred oxen in full. When I had calmed heaven's anger that way, I raised a burial mound in memory of Agamemnon, so that his name would live for ever. After that I had a quick passage home, because the gods sent me a fair wind.
The classic translation · 13
“And now for yourself—stay here some ten or twelve days longer, and I will then speed you on your way. I will make you a noble present of a chariot and three horses. I will also give you a beautiful chalice that so long as you live you may think of me whenever you make a drink-offering to the immortal gods.”
Plain English · 13
"And now for you. Stay here another ten or twelve days, and then I will send you on your way. I will make you a fine present: a chariot and three horses. I will give you a beautiful cup as well, so that as long as you live you will think of me every time you pour a drink-offering to the immortal gods."
The classic translation · 14
“Son of Atreus,” replied Telemachus, “do not press me to stay longer; I should be contented to remain with you for another twelve months; I find your conversation so delightful that I should never once wish myself at home with my parents; but my crew whom I have left at Pylos are already impatient, and you are detaining me from them. As for any present you may be disposed to make me, I had rather that it should be a piece of plate. I will take no horses back with me to Ithaca, but will leave them to adorn your own stables, for you have much flat ground in your kingdom where lotus thrives, as also meadow-sweet and wheat and barley, and oats with their white and spreading ears; whereas in Ithaca we have neither open fields nor racecourses, and the country is more fit for goats than horses, and I like it the better for that. None of our islands have much level ground, suitable for horses, and Ithaca least of all.”
Plain English · 14
"Son of Atreus," Telemachus answered, "do not press me to stay any longer. I would be happy enough to stay with you for another twelve months. I find your talk so delightful that I would never once wish myself home with my parents. But my crew, whom I left at Pylos, are already impatient, and you are keeping me from them. As for any present you feel like giving me, I would rather it were something made of silver or gold. I will take no horses back to Ithaca. Leave them here to grace your own stables. You have a great deal of flat land in your kingdom, where lotus grows, and meadow-sweet and wheat and barley, and oats with their white spreading ears. In Ithaca we have no open fields and no racecourses. It is country better suited to goats than horses, and I like it the better for that. None of our islands have much level ground for horses, and Ithaca least of all."
The classic translation · 15
Menelaus smiled and took Telemachus’s hand within his own. “What you say,” said he, “shows that you come of good family. I both can, and will, make this exchange for you, by giving you the finest and most precious piece of plate in all my house. It is a mixing bowl by Hephaestus’s own hand, of pure silver, except the rim, which is inlaid with gold. Phaedimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it me in the course of a visit which I paid him when I returned thither on my homeward journey. I will make you a present of it.”
Plain English · 15
Menelaus smiled and took Telemachus's hand in his own. "What you say shows that you come of good family," he said. "I can make that exchange for you, and I will. I will give you the finest and most valuable piece in my house. It is a mixing bowl made by Hephaestus's own hand, of pure silver, with a rim inlaid with gold. Phaedimus, king of the Sidonians, gave it to me when I stayed with him on my way home. I will make you a present of it."
The classic translation · 16
Thus did they converse and guests kept coming to the king’s house. They brought sheep and wine, while their wives had put up bread for them to take with them; so they were busy cooking their dinners in the courts.
Plain English · 16
So they talked, and guests kept arriving at the king's house. They brought sheep and wine, and their wives had put up bread for them to bring. So they were busy cooking their dinners in the courtyards.
The classic translation · 17
Meanwhile the suitors were throwing discs or aiming with spears at a mark on the levelled ground in front of Odysseus’ house, and were behaving with all their old insolence. Antinous and Eurymachus, who were their ringleaders and much the foremost among them all, were sitting together when Noemon son of Phronius came up and said to Antinous,
Plain English · 17
Meanwhile the suitors were throwing the discus or hurling spears at a mark, on the leveled ground in front of Odysseus's house, as insolent as ever. Antinous and Eurymachus, their ringleaders and much the most important men among them, were sitting together when Noemon, son of Phronius, came up and said to Antinous:
The classic translation · 18
“Have we any idea, Antinous, on what day Telemachus returns from Pylos? He has a ship of mine, and I want it, to cross over to Elis: I have twelve brood mares there with yearling mule foals by their side not yet broken in, and I want to bring one of them over here and break him.”
Plain English · 18
"Antinous, have we any idea what day Telemachus gets back from Pylos? He has a ship of mine and I want it. I need to cross over to Elis. I have twelve brood mares there with yearling mule foals at their sides, not yet broken in, and I want to bring one over here and break him."
The classic translation · 19
They were astounded when they heard this, for they had made sure that Telemachus had not gone to the city of Neleus. They thought he was only away somewhere on the farms, and was with the sheep, or with the swineherd; so Antinous said, “When did he go? Tell me truly, and what young men did he take with him? Were they freemen or his own bondsmen—for he might manage that too? Tell me also, did you let him have the ship of your own free will because he asked you, or did he take it without your leave?”
Plain English · 19
They were astounded to hear it. They had been sure Telemachus had not gone to the city of Neleus. They thought he was off somewhere on the farms, with the sheep or with the swineherd. So Antinous said, "When did he go? Tell me the truth. What young men did he take with him? Were they free men, or his own slaves? He could manage that too. And tell me this: did you lend him the ship of your own free will because he asked you, or did he take it without your leave?"
The classic translation · 20
“I lent it him,” answered Noemon, “what else could I do when a man of his position said he was in a difficulty, and asked me to oblige him? I could not possibly refuse. As for those who went with him they were the best young men we have, and I saw Mentor go on board as captain—or some god who was exactly like him. I cannot understand it, for I saw Mentor here myself yesterday morning, and yet he was then setting out for Pylos.”
Plain English · 20
"I lent it to him," answered Noemon. "What else could I do, when a man of his position said he was in difficulty and asked me to oblige him? I could not possibly refuse. As for the men who went with him, they were the best young men we have. And I saw Mentor go aboard as captain. Or some god exactly like him. I cannot understand it. I saw Mentor here myself yesterday morning, and yet he was setting out for Pylos then."
The classic translation · 21
Noemon then went back to his father’s house, but Antinous and Eurymachus were very angry. They told the others to leave off playing, and to come and sit down along with themselves. When they came, Antinous son of Eupeithes spoke in anger. His heart was black with rage, and his eyes flashed fire as he said:
Plain English · 21
Noemon went back to his father's house, but Antinous and Eurymachus were very angry. They told the others to stop playing and come and sit down with them. When they came, Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spoke in anger. His heart was black with rage, and his eyes flashed fire as he said:
The classic translation · 22
“Good heavens, this voyage of Telemachus is a very serious matter; we had made sure that it would come to nothing, but the young fellow has got away in spite of us, and with a picked crew too. He will be giving us trouble presently; may Zeus take him before he is full grown. Find me a ship, therefore, with a crew of twenty men, and I will lie in wait for him in the straits between Ithaca and Samos; he will then rue the day that he set out to try and get news of his father.”
Plain English · 22
"Good heavens, this voyage of Telemachus is a serious matter. We were sure it would come to nothing, and the young fellow has got away in spite of us, with a picked crew too. He will be giving us trouble before long. May Zeus take him before he is full grown. Find me a ship, then, with a crew of twenty men, and I will lie in wait for him in the straits between Ithaca and Samos. He will regret the day he set out to look for news of his father."
The classic translation · 23
Thus did he speak, and the others applauded his saying; they then all of them went inside the buildings.
Plain English · 23
So he spoke, and the others cheered him on. Then they all went inside the buildings.
The classic translation · 24
It was not long ere Penelope came to know what the suitors were plotting; for a man servant, Medon, overheard them from outside the outer court as they were laying their schemes within, and went to tell his mistress. As he crossed the threshold of her room Penelope said: “Medon, what have the suitors sent you here for? Is it to tell the maids to leave their master’s business and cook dinner for them? I wish they may neither woo nor dine henceforward, neither here nor anywhere else, but let this be the very last time, for the waste you all make of my son’s estate. Did not your fathers tell you when you were children, how good Odysseus had been to them—never doing anything high-handed, nor speaking harshly to anybody? Kings may say things sometimes, and they may take a fancy to one man and dislike another, but Odysseus never did an unjust thing by anybody—which shows what bad hearts you have, and that there is no such thing as gratitude left in this world.”
Plain English · 24
It was not long before Penelope found out what the suitors were plotting. A manservant, Medon, overheard them from outside the outer court as they laid their schemes within, and went to tell his mistress. As he crossed the threshold of her room Penelope said, "Medon, what have the suitors sent you here for? Is it to tell the maids to drop their master's work and cook dinner for them? I wish they would neither court me nor dine here again, not here nor anywhere else, and I wish this were the last time, for all the waste you make of my son's estate. Did your fathers not tell you, when you were children, how good Odysseus was to them? He never did anything high-handed, and never spoke harshly to anyone. Kings say things sometimes, and they take a liking to one man and a dislike to another. But Odysseus never did an unjust thing to anybody. Which shows what bad hearts you have, and that there is no such thing as gratitude left in this world."
The classic translation · 25
Then Medon said, “I wish, Madam, that this were all; but they are plotting something much more dreadful now—may heaven frustrate their design. They are going to try and murder Telemachus as he is coming home from Pylos and Lacedaemon, where he has been to get news of his father.”
Plain English · 25
Then Medon said, "I wish, madam, that this were all. They are plotting something far more dreadful now. May heaven prevent it. They mean to murder Telemachus as he comes home from Pylos and Lacedaemon, where he has gone to get news of his father."
The classic translation · 26
Then Penelope’s heart sank within her, and for a long time she was speechless; her eyes filled with tears, and she could find no utterance. At last, however, she said, “Why did my son leave me? What business had he to go sailing off in ships that make long voyages over the ocean like sea-horses? Does he want to die without leaving any one behind him to keep up his name?”
Plain English · 26
At that Penelope's heart sank, and for a long while she could not speak. Her eyes filled with tears and no words would come. At last she said, "Why did my son leave me? What business had he going off in ships that make long voyages over the ocean like sea-horses? Does he want to die without leaving anyone behind to keep up his name?"
The classic translation · 27
“I do not know,” answered Medon, “whether some god set him on to it, or whether he went on his own impulse to see if he could find out if his father was dead, or alive and on his way home.”
Plain English · 27
"I do not know," Medon answered. "Some god may have put him up to it. Or he may have gone on his own, to find out whether his father was dead, or alive and on his way home."
The classic translation · 28
Then he went downstairs again, leaving Penelope in an agony of grief. There were plenty of seats in the house, but she had no heart for sitting on any one of them; she could only fling herself on the floor of her own room and cry; whereon all the maids in the house, both old and young, gathered round her and began to cry too, till at last in a transport of sorrow she exclaimed,
Plain English · 28
Then he went back downstairs, leaving Penelope in agonies of grief. There were plenty of seats in the house, but she had no heart to sit on any of them. She could only throw herself down on the floor of her own room and cry. All the maids in the house, old and young, gathered round her and began crying too, until at last she burst out:
The classic translation · 29
“My dears, heaven has been pleased to try me with more affliction than any other woman of my age and country. First I lost my brave and lion-hearted husband, who had every good quality under heaven, and whose name was great over all Hellas and middle Argos, and now my darling son is at the mercy of the winds and waves, without my having heard one word about his leaving home. You hussies, there was not one of you would so much as think of giving me a call out of my bed, though you all of you very well knew when he was starting. If I had known he meant taking this voyage, he would have had to give it up, no matter how much he was bent upon it, or leave me a corpse behind him—one or other. Now, however, go some of you and call old Dolius, who was given me by my father on my marriage, and who is my gardener. Bid him go at once and tell everything to Laertes, who may be able to hit on some plan for enlisting public sympathy on our side, as against those who are trying to exterminate his own race and that of Odysseus.”
Plain English · 29
"My dears, heaven has chosen to try me with more suffering than any other woman of my age and country. First I lost my brave, lion-hearted husband, who had every good quality under heaven, and whose name was great over all Hellas and middle Argos. And now my darling son is at the mercy of the winds and the waves, and I never heard a word about his leaving home. You hussies, not one of you thought of calling me out of my bed, though every one of you knew perfectly well when he was starting. If I had known he meant to make this voyage, he would have had to give it up, however set on it he was. Or he would have had to leave me dead behind him. One or the other. Now, though, some of you go and call old Dolius, the gardener my father gave me when I married. Tell him to go at once and tell Laertes everything. Laertes may be able to think of some way to get people on our side, against those who are trying to wipe out his family and the family of Odysseus."
The classic translation · 30
Then the dear old nurse Euryclea said, “You may kill me, Madam, or let me live on in your house, whichever you please, but I will tell you the real truth. I knew all about it, and gave him everything he wanted in the way of bread and wine, but he made me take my solemn oath that I would not tell you anything for some ten or twelve days, unless you asked or happened to hear of his having gone, for he did not want you to spoil your beauty by crying. And now, Madam, wash your face, change your dress, and go upstairs with your maids to offer prayers to Athena, daughter of Aegis-bearing Zeus, for she can save him even though he be in the jaws of death. Do not trouble Laertes: he has trouble enough already. Besides, I cannot think that the gods hate the race of the son of Arceisius so much, but there will be a son left to come up after him, and inherit both the house and the fair fields that lie far all round it.”
Plain English · 30
Then the dear old nurse Euryclea said, "You may kill me, madam, or let me live on in your house, whichever you please, but I will tell you the truth. I knew all about it. I gave him everything he wanted in the way of bread and wine. But he made me swear a solemn oath not to tell you anything for ten or twelve days, unless you asked, or happened to hear that he had gone. He did not want you spoiling your looks with crying. And now, madam, wash your face, change your dress, and go upstairs with your maids to pray to Athena, daughter of Zeus who carries the great shield. She can save him even if he is in the jaws of death. Do not trouble Laertes. He has trouble enough already. Besides, I cannot believe the gods hate the family of Arceisius so much as that. There will be a son left to come after him, and to inherit the house and the good fields that lie all round it."
The classic translation · 31
With these words she made her mistress leave off crying, and dried the tears from her eyes. Penelope washed her face, changed her dress, and went upstairs with her maids. She then put some bruised barley into a basket and began praying to Athena.
Plain English · 31
With that she stopped her mistress crying, and dried the tears from her eyes. Penelope washed her face, changed her dress, and went upstairs with her maids. She put some crushed barley into a basket and began praying to Athena.
The classic translation · 32
“Hear me,” she cried, “Daughter of Aegis-bearing Zeus, unweariable. If ever Odysseus while he was here burned you fat thigh bones of sheep or heifer, bear it in mind now as in my favour, and save my darling son from the villainy of the suitors.”
Plain English · 32
"Hear me," she cried, "daughter of Zeus who carries the great shield, tireless one. If Odysseus ever burned you fat thigh bones of sheep or heifer while he was here, remember it now and do me this favor. Save my darling son from the villainy of the suitors."
The classic translation · 33
She cried aloud as she spoke, and the goddess heard her prayer; meanwhile the suitors were clamorous throughout the covered cloister, and one of them said:
Plain English · 33
She cried aloud as she spoke, and the goddess heard her prayer. Meanwhile the suitors were making a din all through the covered walkway, and one of them said:
The classic translation · 34
“The queen is preparing for her marriage with one or other of us. Little does she dream that her son has now been doomed to die.”
Plain English · 34
"The queen is getting ready to marry one or another of us. Little does she know her son has been marked down for death."
The classic translation · 35
This was what they said, but they did not know what was going to happen. Then Antinous said, “Comrades, let there be no loud talking, lest some of it get carried inside. Let us be up and do that in silence, about which we are all of a mind.”
Plain English · 35
That is what they said, and they had no idea what was going to happen. Then Antinous said, "Comrades, no loud talk, in case some of it gets carried inside. Let us get up and do quietly the thing we are all agreed on."
The classic translation · 36
He then chose twenty men, and they went down to their ship and to the sea side; they drew the vessel into the water and got her mast and sails inside her; they bound the oars to the thole-pins with twisted thongs of leather, all in due course, and spread the white sails aloft, while their fine servants brought them their armour. Then they made the ship fast a little way out, came on shore again, got their suppers, and waited till night should fall.
Plain English · 36
He picked twenty men, and they went down to their ship and to the shore. They dragged the vessel into the water and got her mast and sails aboard. They lashed the oars to their pins with twisted leather thongs, all in good order, and spread the white sails aloft, while their servants brought them their armor. Then they moored the ship a little way out, came ashore again, ate their suppers, and waited for night to fall.
The classic translation · 37
But Penelope lay in her own room upstairs unable to eat or drink, and wondering whether her brave son would escape, or be overpowered by the wicked suitors. Like a lioness caught in the toils with huntsmen hemming her in on every side she thought and thought till she sank into a slumber, and lay on her bed bereft of thought and motion.
Plain English · 37
But Penelope lay in her room upstairs, unable to eat or drink, wondering whether her brave son would escape or be overpowered by the wicked suitors. She thought and thought, like a lioness caught in the nets with hunters closing in on every side, until at last she sank into sleep, and lay on her bed without thought or movement.
The classic translation · 38
Then Athena bethought her of another matter, and made a vision in the likeness of Penelope’s sister Iphthime daughter of Icarius who had married Eumelus and lived in Pherae. She told the vision to go to the house of Odysseus, and to make Penelope leave off crying, so it came into her room by the hole through which the thong went for pulling the door to, and hovered over her head saying,
Plain English · 38
Then Athena thought of something else. She made a phantom in the likeness of Penelope's sister Iphthime, daughter of Icarius, who had married Eumelus and lived in Pherae. She told the phantom to go to the house of Odysseus and stop Penelope crying. So it came into her room through the hole the thong runs through for pulling the door to, and hovered over her head, saying:
The classic translation · 39
“You are asleep, Penelope: the gods who live at ease will not suffer you to weep and be so sad. Your son has done them no wrong, so he will yet come back to you.”
Plain English · 39
"Are you asleep, Penelope? The gods who live at ease will not have you weeping and grieving like this. Your son has done them no wrong, so he will come back to you yet."
The classic translation · 40
Penelope, who was sleeping sweetly at the gates of dreamland, answered, “Sister, why have you come here? You do not come very often, but I suppose that is because you live such a long way off. Am I, then, to leave off crying and refrain from all the sad thoughts that torture me? I, who have lost my brave and lion-hearted husband, who had every good quality under heaven, and whose name was great over all Hellas and middle Argos; and now my darling son has gone off on board of a ship—a foolish fellow who has never been used to roughing it, nor to going about among gatherings of men. I am even more anxious about him than about my husband; I am all in a tremble when I think of him, lest something should happen to him, either from the people among whom he has gone, or by sea, for he has many enemies who are plotting against him, and are bent on killing him before he can return home.”
Plain English · 40
Penelope, sleeping sweetly at the gates of dreamland, answered, "Sister, why have you come here? You do not come often. I suppose that is because you live such a long way off. Am I to stop crying, then, and let go of all the sad thoughts that torture me? I have lost my brave, lion-hearted husband, who had every good quality under heaven, and whose name was great over all Hellas and middle Argos. And now my darling son has gone off aboard a ship. He is a foolish boy who has never been used to hardship, or to going about among crowds of men. I worry about him even more than I do about my husband. I shake all over when I think of him, in case something happens to him, either at the hands of the people he has gone to, or at sea. He has many enemies who are plotting against him, and are set on killing him before he can get home."
The classic translation · 41
Then the vision said, “Take heart, and be not so much dismayed. There is one gone with him whom many a man would be glad enough to have stand by his side, I mean Athena; it is she who has compassion upon you, and who has sent me to bear you this message.”
Plain English · 41
Then the phantom said, "Take heart, and do not be so frightened. There is one gone with him that many a man would be glad to have standing at his side. I mean Athena. She is the one who pities you, and she is the one who sent me to bring you this message."
The classic translation · 42
“Then,” said Penelope, “if you are a god or have been sent here by divine commission, tell me also about that other unhappy one—is he still alive, or is he already dead and in the house of Hades?”
Plain English · 42
"Then," said Penelope, "if you are a god, or have been sent here by a god, tell me about that other unhappy one as well. Is he still alive, or is he dead already and in the house of Hades?"
The classic translation · 43
And the vision said, “I shall not tell you for certain whether he is alive or dead, and there is no use in idle conversation.”
Plain English · 43
And the phantom said, "I will not tell you for certain whether he is alive or dead. There is no use in idle talk."
The classic translation · 44
Then it vanished through the thong-hole of the door and was dissipated into thin air; but Penelope rose from her sleep refreshed and comforted, so vivid had been her dream.
Plain English · 44
Then it vanished through the thong-hole of the door and melted into thin air. But Penelope woke refreshed and comforted, her dream had been so vivid.
The classic translation · 45
Meantime the suitors went on board and sailed their ways over the sea, intent on murdering Telemachus. Now there is a rocky islet called Asteris, of no great size, in mid channel between Ithaca and Samos, and there is a harbour on either side of it where a ship can lie. Here then the Achaeans placed themselves in ambush.
Plain English · 45
Meanwhile the suitors went aboard and sailed off over the sea, meaning to murder Telemachus. There is a rocky little island called Asteris, not large, in mid channel between Ithaca and Samos, with a harbor on either side of it where a ship can lie. There the Achaeans placed themselves in ambush.
Reading text: plain text file. Public domain, reproduced as recorded.
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