The Odyssey · Homer · openearbooks.com
Book Twenty-Four
THE GHOSTS OF THE SUITORS IN HADES. ODYSSEUS AND HIS MEN GO TO THE HOUSE OF LAERTES. THE PEOPLE OF ITHACA COME OUT TO ATTACK ODYSSEUS, BUT ATHENA CONCLUDES A PEACE.
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
Then Hermes of Cyllene summoned the ghosts of the suitors, and in his hand he held the fair golden wand with which he seals men’s eyes in sleep or wakes them just as he pleases; with this he roused the ghosts and led them, while they followed whining and gibbering behind him. As bats fly squealing in the hollow of some great cave, when one of them has fallen out of the cluster in which they hang, even so did the ghosts whine and squeal as Hermes the healer of sorrow led them down into the dark abode of death. When they had passed the waters of Oceanus and the rock Leucas, they came to the gates of the sun and the land of dreams, whereon they reached the meadow of asphodel where dwell the souls and shadows of them that can labour no more.
Plain English · 1
Then Hermes of Cyllene called up the ghosts of the suitors. In his hand he held the fair golden wand with which he seals men's eyes in sleep, or wakes them, just as he pleases. With this he roused the ghosts and led them, and they followed whining and gibbering behind him. Bats fly squealing in the hollow of some great cave when one of them has fallen out of the cluster they hang in. In just that way the ghosts whined and squealed as Hermes, the healer of sorrow, led them down into the dark house of death. When they had passed the waters of Ocean and the rock Leucas, they came to the gates of the sun and the land of dreams. So they reached the meadow of asphodel, where the souls and shadows of those who can work no more have their home.
The classic translation · 2
Here they found the ghost of Achilles son of Peleus, with those of Patroclus, Antilochus, and Ajax, who was the finest and handsomest man of all the Achaeans after the son of Peleus himself.
Plain English · 2
Here they found the ghost of Achilles son of Peleus, with those of Patroclus, Antilochus and Ajax, who was the finest and handsomest man of all the Achaeans after the son of Peleus himself.
The classic translation · 3
They gathered round the ghost of the son of Peleus, and the ghost of Agamemnon joined them, sorrowing bitterly. Round him were gathered also the ghosts of those who had perished with him in the house of Aegisthus; and the ghost of Achilles spoke first.
Plain English · 3
They gathered round the ghost of the son of Peleus, and the ghost of Agamemnon joined them, grieving bitterly. Round him were gathered the ghosts of those who had died with him in the house of Aegisthus. And the ghost of Achilles spoke first.
The classic translation · 4
“Son of Atreus,” it said, “we used to say that Zeus had loved you better from first to last than any other hero, for you were captain over many and brave men, when we were all fighting together before Troy; yet the hand of death, which no mortal can escape, was laid upon you all too early. Better for you had you fallen at Troy in the hey-day of your renown, for the Achaeans would have built a mound over your ashes, and your son would have been heir to your good name, whereas it has now been your lot to come to a most miserable end.”
Plain English · 4
"Son of Atreus," it said, "we used to say that Zeus had loved you better from first to last than any other hero. You were captain over many brave men when we were all fighting together at Troy. And yet the hand of death, which no mortal can escape, was laid on you all too early. It would have been better for you to fall at Troy, at the height of your fame. The Achaeans would have built a mound over your ashes, and your son would have inherited your good name. Instead it has been your lot to come to a most miserable end."
The classic translation · 5
“Happy son of Peleus,” answered the ghost of Agamemnon, “for having died at Troy far from Argos, while the bravest of the Trojans and the Achaeans fell round you fighting for your body. There you lay in the whirling clouds of dust, all huge and hugely, heedless now of your chivalry. We fought the whole of the livelong day, nor should we ever have left off if Zeus had not sent a hurricane to stay us. Then, when we had borne you to the ships out of the fray, we laid you on your bed and cleansed your fair skin with warm water and with ointments. The Achaeans tore their hair and wept bitterly round about you. Your mother, when she heard, came with her immortal nymphs from out of the sea, and the sound of a great wailing went forth over the waters so that the Achaeans quaked for fear. They would have fled panic-stricken to their ships had not wise old Nestor whose counsel was ever truest checked them saying, ‘Hold, fly not sons of the Achaeans, this is his mother coming from the sea with her immortal nymphs to view the body of her son.’
Plain English · 5
"Happy son of Peleus," the ghost of Agamemnon answered, "you died at Troy, far from Argos, and the bravest of the Trojans and the Achaeans fell round you fighting for your body. There you lay in the whirling clouds of dust, a huge man hugely fallen, caring no more for the chariots you drove. We fought the whole livelong day, and we should never have left off if Zeus had not sent a hurricane to stop us. Then, when we had carried you out of the fighting to the ships, we laid you on your bed and washed your fair skin with warm water and with ointments. The Achaeans tore their hair and wept bitterly round about you. Your mother, when she heard, came with her immortal nymphs out of the sea. The sound of a great wailing went out over the waters, so that the Achaeans shook with fear. They would have fled to their ships in a panic, if wise old Nestor, whose advice was always the truest, had not checked them. 'Hold,' he said, 'do not run, sons of the Achaeans. This is his mother coming from the sea with her immortal nymphs to look at the body of her son.'
The classic translation · 6
“Thus he spoke, and the Achaeans feared no more. The daughters of the old man of the sea stood round you weeping bitterly, and clothed you in immortal raiment. The nine muses also came and lifted up their sweet voices in lament—calling and answering one another; there was not an Achaean but wept for pity of the dirge they chaunted. Days and nights seven and ten we mourned you, mortals and immortals, but on the eighteenth day we gave you to the flames, and many a fat sheep with many an ox did we slay in sacrifice around you. You were burnt in raiment of the gods, with rich resins and with honey, while heroes, horse and foot, clashed their armour round the pile as you were burning, with the tramp as of a great multitude. But when the flames of heaven had done their work, we gathered your white bones at daybreak and laid them in ointments and in pure wine. Your mother brought us a golden vase to hold them—gift of Dionysus, and work of Hephaestus himself; in this we mingled your bleached bones with those of Patroclus who had gone before you, and separate we enclosed also those of Antilochus, who had been closer to you than any other of your comrades now that Patroclus was no more.
Plain English · 6
"So he spoke, and the Achaeans were afraid no longer. The daughters of the old man of the sea stood round you weeping bitterly, and dressed you in immortal clothing. The nine muses came too, and lifted up their sweet voices in lament, calling and answering one another. There was not an Achaean who did not weep for pity at the lament they sang. For seventeen days and nights we mourned you, mortals and immortals together. On the eighteenth day we gave you to the flames, and we killed many a fat sheep and many an ox in sacrifice around you. You were burnt in the clothing of the gods, with rich resins and with honey. Heroes on horse and on foot clashed their armor round the pyre as you burned, with a tramping like a great crowd. But when the flames of heaven had done their work, we gathered your white bones at daybreak. We laid them in ointments and in pure wine. Your mother brought us a golden vase to hold them, a gift of Dionysus and the work of Hephaestus himself. In this we mixed your bleached bones with those of Patroclus, who had gone before you. Beside them we laid separately the bones of Antilochus, who had been closer to you than any of your other comrades once Patroclus was gone.
The classic translation · 7
“Over these the host of the Achaeans built a noble tomb, on a point jutting out over the open Hellespont, that it might be seen from far out upon the sea by those now living and by them that shall be born hereafter. Your mother begged prizes from the gods, and offered them to be contended for by the noblest of the Achaeans. You must have been present at the funeral of many a hero, when the young men gird themselves and make ready to contend for prizes on the death of some great chieftain, but you never saw such prizes as silver-footed Thetis offered in your honour; for the gods loved you well. Thus even in death your fame, Achilles, has not been lost, and your name lives evermore among all mankind. But as for me, what solace had I when the days of my fighting were done? For Zeus willed my destruction on my return, by the hands of Aegisthus and those of my wicked wife.”
Plain English · 7
"Over these the host of the Achaeans built a noble tomb, on a point jutting out over the open Hellespont. It was to be seen far out at sea by people living now, and by those who shall be born hereafter. Your mother begged prizes from the gods and offered them to be competed for by the noblest of the Achaeans. You must have been at the funeral of many a hero, when the young men get ready and prepare to compete for prizes at the death of some great chieftain. But you never saw such prizes as silver-footed Thetis offered in your honor, because the gods loved you well. So even in death your fame, Achilles, has not been lost, and your name lives for ever among all mankind. But as for me, what comfort did I have when my fighting days were done? Zeus willed my destruction on my way home, at the hands of Aegisthus and of my wicked wife."
The classic translation · 8
Thus did they converse, and presently Hermes came up to them with the ghosts of the suitors who had been killed by Odysseus. The ghosts of Agamemnon and Achilles were astonished at seeing them, and went up to them at once. The ghost of Agamemnon recognised Amphimedon son of Melaneus, who lived in Ithaca and had been his host, so it began to talk to him.
Plain English · 8
So they talked. Presently Hermes came up to them with the ghosts of the suitors Odysseus had killed. The ghosts of Agamemnon and Achilles were astonished to see them, and went up to them at once. The ghost of Agamemnon recognized Amphimedon son of Melaneus, who had lived in Ithaca and had been his host, so it began to talk to him.
The classic translation · 9
“Amphimedon,” it said, “what has happened to all you fine young men—all of an age too—that you are come down here under the ground? One could pick no finer body of men from any city. Did Poseidon raise his winds and waves against you when you were at sea, or did your enemies make an end of you on the mainland when you were cattle-lifting or sheep-stealing, or while fighting in defence of their wives and city? Answer my question, for I have been your guest. Do you not remember how I came to your house with Menelaus, to persuade Odysseus to join us with his ships against Troy? It was a whole month ere we could resume our voyage, for we had hard work to persuade Odysseus to come with us.”
Plain English · 9
"Amphimedon," it said, "what has happened to all you fine young men, all of an age too, that you have come down here under the ground? Nobody could pick a finer body of men from any city. Did Poseidon raise his winds and waves against you at sea? Or did your enemies make an end of you on the mainland, when you were lifting cattle or stealing sheep? Or did they do it fighting to defend their wives and their city? Answer my question, because I have been your guest. Do you not remember how I came to your house with Menelaus, to persuade Odysseus to join us with his ships against Troy? It was a whole month before we could go on with our voyage, because we had hard work persuading Odysseus to come with us."
The classic translation · 10
And the ghost of Amphimedon answered, “Agamemnon, son of Atreus, king of men, I remember everything that you have said, and will tell you fully and accurately about the way in which our end was brought about. Odysseus had been long gone, and we were courting his wife, who did not say point blank that she would not marry, nor yet bring matters to an end, for she meant to compass our destruction: this, then, was the trick she played us. She set up a great tambour frame in her room and began to work on an enormous piece of fine needlework. ‘Sweethearts,’ said she, ‘Odysseus is indeed dead, still, do not press me to marry again immediately; wait—for I would not have my skill in needlework perish unrecorded—till I have completed a pall for the hero Laertes, against the time when death shall take him. He is very rich, and the women of the place will talk if he is laid out without a pall.’ This is what she said, and we assented; whereupon we could see her working upon her great web all day long, but at night she would unpick the stitches again by torchlight. She fooled us in this way for three years without our finding it out, but as time wore on and she was now in her fourth year, in the waning of moons and many days had been accomplished, one of her maids who knew what she was doing told us, and we caught her in the act of undoing her work, so she had to finish it whether she would or no; and when she showed us the robe she had made, after she had had it washed, its splendour was as that of the sun or moon.
Plain English · 10
And the ghost of Amphimedon answered, "Agamemnon, son of Atreus, king of men, I remember everything you have said. I will tell you fully and accurately how our end came about. Odysseus had long been gone, and we were courting his wife. She would not say point blank that she would not marry, and she would not bring matters to an end either, because she meant to bring about our destruction. This was the trick she played us. She set up a great embroidery frame in her room and began to work on an enormous piece of fine needlework. 'Sweethearts,' she said, 'Odysseus is indeed dead. Still, do not press me to marry again straight away. Wait until I have finished a burial cloth for the hero Laertes, ready for the time when death takes him. I would not have my skill in needlework go unremembered. He is very rich, and the women of the place will talk if he is laid out without one.' That is what she said, and we agreed. So we could see her working at her great web all day long, and at night she would unpick the stitches again by torchlight. She fooled us this way for three years without our finding out. But time went on, and she was in her fourth year now, with the moons waning and many days accomplished. Then one of her maids who knew what she was doing told us. We caught her in the act of undoing her work, so she had to finish it whether she wanted to or not. And when she showed us the robe she had made, after she had had it washed, it shone like the sun or the moon.
The classic translation · 11
“Then some malicious god conveyed Odysseus to the upland farm where his swineherd lives. Thither presently came also his son, returning from a voyage to Pylos, and the two came to the town when they had hatched their plot for our destruction. Telemachus came first, and then after him, accompanied by the swineherd, came Odysseus, clad in rags and leaning on a staff as though he were some miserable old beggar. He came so unexpectedly that none of us knew him, not even the older ones among us, and we reviled him and threw things at him. He endured both being struck and insulted without a word, though he was in his own house; but when the will of Aegis-bearing Zeus inspired him, he and Telemachus took the armour and hid it in an inner chamber, bolting the doors behind them. Then he cunningly made his wife offer his bow and a quantity of iron to be contended for by us ill-fated suitors; and this was the beginning of our end, for not one of us could string the bow—nor nearly do so. When it was about to reach the hands of Odysseus, we all of us shouted out that it should not be given him, no matter what he might say, but Telemachus insisted on his having it. When he had got it in his hands he strung it with ease and sent his arrow through the iron. Then he stood on the floor of the cloister and poured his arrows on the ground, glaring fiercely about him. First he killed Antinous, and then, aiming straight before him, he let fly his deadly darts and they fell thick on one another. It was plain that some one of the gods was helping them, for they fell upon us with might and main throughout the cloisters, and there was a hideous sound of groaning as our brains were being battered in, and the ground seethed with our blood. This, Agamemnon, is how we came by our end, and our bodies are lying still uncared for in the house of Odysseus, for our friends at home do not yet know what has happened, so that they cannot lay us out and wash the black blood from our wounds, making moan over us according to the offices due to the departed.”
Plain English · 11
"Then some malicious god carried Odysseus to the upland farm where his swineherd lives. Presently his son came there too, coming back from a voyage to Pylos, and the two of them came to the town when they had hatched their plot for our destruction. Telemachus came first, and then after him came Odysseus with the swineherd, dressed in rags and leaning on a staff like some miserable old beggar. He came so unexpectedly that none of us knew him, not even the older ones among us, and we abused him and threw things at him. He put up with being struck and insulted without a word, though he was in his own house. But when the will of Zeus who carries the great shield inspired him, he and Telemachus took the armor and hid it in an inner room, bolting the doors behind them. Then he cunningly made his wife offer his bow and a quantity of iron to be competed for by us unlucky suitors. That was the beginning of our end, because not one of us could string the bow, or come anywhere near it. When it was about to reach the hands of Odysseus, we all shouted out that he should not have it, whatever he said, but Telemachus insisted on his having it. When he had got it in his hands he strung it easily and sent his arrow through the iron. Then he stood on the floor of the walkway and poured out his arrows on the ground, glaring fiercely about him. First he killed Antinous, and then, aiming straight in front of him, he let fly his deadly darts and they fell thick on one another. It was plain that one of the gods was helping them, because they fell on us with all their might throughout the walkways. There was a hideous sound of groaning as our brains were battered in, and the ground seethed with our blood. That, Agamemnon, is how we came by our end, and our bodies are still lying uncared for in the house of Odysseus. Our friends at home do not know yet what has happened. So they cannot lay us out and wash the black blood from our wounds, or mourn over us with the rites that are owed to the dead."
The classic translation · 12
“Happy Odysseus, son of Laertes,” replied the ghost of Agamemnon, “you are indeed blessed in the possession of a wife endowed with such rare excellence of understanding, and so faithful to her wedded lord as Penelope the daughter of Icarius. The fame, therefore, of her virtue shall never die, and the immortals shall compose a song that shall be welcome to all mankind in honour of the constancy of Penelope. How far otherwise was the wickedness of the daughter of Tyndareus who killed her lawful husband; her song shall be hateful among men, for she has brought disgrace on all womankind even on the good ones.”
Plain English · 12
"Happy Odysseus, son of Laertes," the ghost of Agamemnon replied, "you are blessed indeed in your wife. Penelope the daughter of Icarius has rare good sense, and she has been faithful to her wedded lord. The fame of her goodness shall never die, and the immortals shall make a song in honor of the constancy of Penelope, a song that shall be welcome to all mankind. How different was the wickedness of the daughter of Tyndareus, who killed her lawful husband. Her song shall be hateful among men, because she has brought disgrace on all womankind, even on the good ones."
The classic translation · 13
Thus did they converse in the house of Hades deep down within the bowels of the earth. Meanwhile Odysseus and the others passed out of the town and soon reached the fair and well-tilled farm of Laertes, which he had reclaimed with infinite labour. Here was his house, with a lean-to running all round it, where the slaves who worked for him slept and sat and ate, while inside the house there was an old Sicel woman, who looked after him in this his country-farm. When Odysseus got there, he said to his son and to the other two:
Plain English · 13
So they talked in the house of Hades, deep down in the bowels of the earth. Meanwhile Odysseus and the others passed out of the town and soon reached the fair, well-tilled farm of Laertes, which he had won back with endless labor. Here was his house, with a lean-to running all round it, where the slaves who worked for him slept and sat and ate. Inside the house there was an old Sicel woman who looked after him on this country farm. When Odysseus got there he said to his son and to the other two:
The classic translation · 14
“Go to the house, and kill the best pig that you can find for dinner. Meanwhile I want to see whether my father will know me, or fail to recognise me after so long an absence.”
Plain English · 14
"Go to the house, and kill the best pig you can find for dinner. Meanwhile I want to see whether my father will know me, or fail to recognize me after so long away."
The classic translation · 15
He then took off his armour and gave it to Eumaeus and Philoetius, who went straight on to the house, while he turned off into the vineyard to make trial of his father. As he went down into the great orchard, he did not see Dolius, nor any of his sons nor of the other bondsmen, for they were all gathering thorns to make a fence for the vineyard, at the place where the old man had told them; he therefore found his father alone, hoeing a vine. He had on a dirty old shirt, patched and very shabby; his legs were bound round with thongs of oxhide to save him from the brambles, and he also wore sleeves of leather; he had a goat skin cap on his head, and was looking very woe-begone. When Odysseus saw him so worn, so old and full of sorrow, he stood still under a tall pear tree and began to weep. He doubted whether to embrace him, kiss him, and tell him all about his having come home, or whether he should first question him and see what he would say. In the end he deemed it best to be crafty with him, so in this mind he went up to his father, who was bending down and digging about a plant.
Plain English · 15
He then took off his armor and gave it to Eumaeus and Philoetius, who went straight on to the house, while he turned off into the vineyard to test his father. As he went down into the great orchard he did not see Dolius, or any of his sons, or any of the other slaves. They were all gathering thorns to make a fence for the vineyard, in the place the old man had told them. So he found his father alone, hoeing a vine. He had on a dirty old shirt, patched and very shabby. His legs were bound round with strips of oxhide to save him from the brambles, and he wore leather sleeves as well. He had a goatskin cap on his head, and he looked utterly miserable. When Odysseus saw him so worn, so old and so full of sorrow, he stood still under a tall pear tree and began to weep. He could not decide whether to embrace him and kiss him and tell him all about his coming home, or whether to question him first and see what he would say. In the end he thought it best to be crafty with him. So with that in mind he went up to his father, who was bending down and digging round a plant.
The classic translation · 16
“I see, sir,” said Odysseus, “that you are an excellent gardener—what pains you take with it, to be sure. There is not a single plant, not a fig tree, vine, olive, pear, nor flower bed, but bears the trace of your attention. I trust, however, that you will not be offended if I say that you take better care of your garden than of yourself. You are old, unsavoury, and very meanly clad. It cannot be because you are idle that your master takes such poor care of you, indeed your face and figure have nothing of the slave about them, and proclaim you of noble birth. I should have said that you were one of those who should wash well, eat well, and lie soft at night as old men have a right to do; but tell me, and tell me true, whose bondman are you, and in whose garden are you working? Tell me also about another matter. Is this place that I have come to really Ithaca? I met a man just now who said so, but he was a dull fellow, and had not the patience to hear my story out when I was asking him about an old friend of mine, whether he was still living, or was already dead and in the house of Hades. Believe me when I tell you that this man came to my house once when I was in my own country and never yet did any stranger come to me whom I liked better. He said that his family came from Ithaca and that his father was Laertes, son of Arceisius. I received him hospitably, making him welcome to all the abundance of my house, and when he went away I gave him all customary presents. I gave him seven talents of fine gold, and a cup of solid silver with flowers chased upon it. I gave him twelve light cloaks, and as many pieces of tapestry; I also gave him twelve cloaks of single fold, twelve rugs, twelve fair mantles, and an equal number of shirts. To all this I added four good looking women skilled in all useful arts, and I let him take his choice.”
Plain English · 16
"I see, sir," said Odysseus, "that you are an excellent gardener. What pains you take with it, to be sure. There is not a single plant, not a fig tree, or vine, or olive, or pear, or flower bed, that does not show your care. But I trust you will not be offended if I say you take better care of your garden than of yourself. You are old, unwashed, and very poorly dressed. It cannot be because you are idle that your master takes such poor care of you. Indeed, your face and your build have nothing of the slave about them, and mark you out as nobly born. I should have said you were one of those who ought to wash well, eat well and lie soft at night, as old men have a right to do. But tell me, and tell me truly, whose slave are you, and whose garden are you working in? And tell me about something else. Is this place I have come to really Ithaca? I met a man just now who said so, but he was a dull fellow and had not the patience to hear my story out. I was asking him about an old friend of mine, whether he was still living or was already dead and in the house of Hades. Believe me when I tell you that this man came to my house once when I was in my own country, and no stranger ever came to me whom I liked better. He said his family came from Ithaca, and that his father was Laertes, son of Arceisius. I took him in hospitably, and made him welcome to all the plenty of my house, and when he went away I gave him all the customary presents. I gave him seven weights of fine gold, and a cup of solid silver with flowers engraved on it. I gave him twelve light cloaks, and as many pieces of tapestry. I gave him twelve cloaks of single fold as well, twelve rugs, twelve fine cloaks and the same number of shirts. To all this I added four good-looking women skilled in all useful arts, and I let him take his choice."
The classic translation · 17
His father shed tears and answered, “Sir, you have indeed come to the country that you have named, but it is fallen into the hands of wicked people. All this wealth of presents has been given to no purpose. If you could have found your friend here alive in Ithaca, he would have entertained you hospitably and would have requited your presents amply when you left him—as would have been only right considering what you had already given him. But tell me, and tell me true, how many years is it since you entertained this guest—my unhappy son, as ever was? Alas! He has perished far from his own country; the fishes of the sea have eaten him, or he has fallen a prey to the birds and wild beasts of some continent. Neither his mother, nor I his father, who were his parents, could throw our arms about him and wrap him in his shroud, nor could his excellent and richly dowered wife Penelope bewail her husband as was natural upon his death bed, and close his eyes according to the offices due to the departed. But now, tell me truly for I want to know. Who and whence are you—tell me of your town and parents? Where is the ship lying that has brought you and your men to Ithaca? Or were you a passenger on some other man’s ship, and those who brought you here have gone on their way and left you?”
Plain English · 17
His father shed tears and answered, "Sir, you have indeed come to the country you have named, but it has fallen into the hands of wicked people. All this wealth of presents was given for nothing. If you could have found your friend here alive in Ithaca, he would have entertained you hospitably and paid you back handsomely for your presents when you left him. That would have been only right, considering what you had already given him. But tell me, and tell me truly, how many years is it since you entertained this guest, my unhappy son, as ever was? He has died far from his own country. The fishes of the sea have eaten him, or he has fallen prey to the birds and wild beasts of some far land. Neither his mother nor I, his father, who gave him life, could throw our arms about him and wrap him in his shroud. His excellent wife Penelope, who came to him with great wealth, could not mourn her husband at his deathbed as she should. She could not close his eyes with the rites that are owed to the dead. But now tell me truly, because I want to know. Who are you, and where do you come from? Tell me about your town and your parents. Where is the ship lying that brought you and your men to Ithaca? Or were you a passenger on some other man's ship, and have the men who brought you gone on their way and left you?"
The classic translation · 18
“I will tell you everything,” answered Odysseus, “quite truly. I come from Alybas, where I have a fine house. I am son of king Apheidas, who is the son of Polypemon. My own name is Eperitus; heaven drove me off my course as I was leaving Sicania, and I have been carried here against my will. As for my ship it is lying over yonder, off the open country outside the town, and this is the fifth year since Odysseus left my country. Poor fellow, yet the omens were good for him when he left me. The birds all flew on our right hands, and both he and I rejoiced to see them as we parted, for we had every hope that we should have another friendly meeting and exchange presents.”
Plain English · 18
"I will tell you everything quite truly," Odysseus answered. "I come from Alybas, where I have a fine house. I am the son of king Apheidas, who is the son of Polypemon. My own name is Eperitus. Heaven drove me off my course as I was leaving Sicania, and I have been carried here against my will. As for my ship, it is lying over there, off the open country outside the town. And this is the fifth year since Odysseus left my country. Poor fellow, and yet the omens were good for him when he left me. The birds all flew on our right hands, and both he and I were glad to see them as we parted, because we had every hope of meeting again as friends and exchanging presents."
The classic translation · 19
A dark cloud of sorrow fell upon Laertes as he listened. He filled both hands with the dust from off the ground and poured it over his grey head, groaning heavily as he did so. The heart of Odysseus was touched, and his nostrils quivered as he looked upon his father; then he sprang towards him, flung his arms about him and kissed him, saying, “I am he, father, about whom you are asking—I have returned after having been away for twenty years. But cease your sighing and lamentation—we have no time to lose, for I should tell you that I have been killing the suitors in my house, to punish them for their insolence and crimes.”
Plain English · 19
A dark cloud of sorrow fell on Laertes as he listened. He filled both hands with the dust from the ground and poured it over his gray head, groaning heavily as he did it. The heart of Odysseus was touched, and his nostrils quivered as he looked at his father. Then he sprang toward him, flung his arms about him and kissed him. "I am the man you are asking about, father," he said. "I have come back after twenty years away. But stop your sighing and mourning. We have no time to lose, because I must tell you that I have been killing the suitors in my house, to punish them for their insolence and their crimes."
The classic translation · 20
“If you really are my son Odysseus,” replied Laertes, “and have come back again, you must give me such manifest proof of your identity as shall convince me.”
Plain English · 20
"If you really are my son Odysseus," Laertes replied, "and have come back again, you must give me proof of who you are, so plain that it convinces me."
The classic translation · 21
“First observe this scar,” answered Odysseus, “which I got from a boar’s tusk when I was hunting on Mt. Parnassus. You and my mother had sent me to Autolycus, my mother’s father, to receive the presents which when he was over here he had promised to give me. Furthermore I will point out to you the trees in the vineyard which you gave me, and I asked you all about them as I followed you round the garden. We went over them all, and you told me their names and what they all were. You gave me thirteen pear trees, ten apple trees, and forty fig trees; you also said you would give me fifty rows of vines; there was corn planted between each row, and they yield grapes of every kind when the heat of heaven has been laid heavy upon them.”
Plain English · 21
"First look at this scar," Odysseus answered, "which I got from a boar's tusk when I was hunting on Mount Parnassus. You and my mother had sent me to Autolycus, my mother's father, to get the presents he had promised me when he was over here. And I will point out to you the trees in the vineyard that you gave me. I asked you all about them as I followed you round the garden. We went over them all, and you told me their names and what each of them was. You gave me thirteen pear trees, ten apple trees and forty fig trees. You said you would give me fifty rows of vines as well. There was grain planted between each row, and they yield grapes of every kind when the heat of heaven lies heavy on them."
The classic translation · 22
Laertes’ strength failed him when he heard the convincing proofs which his son had given him. He threw his arms about him, and Odysseus had to support him, or he would have gone off into a swoon; but as soon as he came to, and was beginning to recover his senses, he said, “O father Zeus, then you gods are still in Olympus after all, if the suitors have really been punished for their insolence and folly. Nevertheless, I am much afraid that I shall have all the townspeople of Ithaca up here directly, and they will be sending messengers everywhere throughout the cities of the Cephallenians.”
Plain English · 22
Laertes's strength failed him when he heard the convincing proofs his son had given him. He threw his arms about him, and Odysseus had to hold him up, or he would have fainted. But as soon as he came to, and was beginning to recover his senses, he said, "Father Zeus, then you gods are still in Olympus after all. The suitors have really been punished for their insolence and their folly. All the same, I am much afraid that I shall have all the townspeople of Ithaca up here directly, and that they will send messengers everywhere through the cities of the Cephallenians."
The classic translation · 23
Odysseus answered, “Take heart and do not trouble yourself about that, but let us go into the house hard by your garden. I have already told Telemachus, Philoetius, and Eumaeus to go on there and get dinner ready as soon as possible.”
Plain English · 23
Odysseus answered, "Take heart and do not trouble yourself about that. Let us go into the house close by your garden. I have already told Telemachus, Philoetius and Eumaeus to go on there and get dinner ready as soon as possible."
The classic translation · 24
Thus conversing the two made their way towards the house. When they got there they found Telemachus with the stockman and the swineherd cutting up meat and mixing wine with water. Then the old Sicel woman took Laertes inside and washed him and anointed him with oil. She put him on a good cloak, and Athena came up to him and gave him a more imposing presence, making him taller and stouter than before. When he came back his son was surprised to see him looking so like an immortal, and said to him, “My dear father, some one of the gods has been making you much taller and better-looking.”
Plain English · 24
Talking like this, the two of them made their way toward the house. When they got there they found Telemachus with the stockman and the swineherd, cutting up meat and mixing wine with water. Then the old Sicel woman took Laertes inside, washed him and rubbed him with oil. She put a good cloak on him, and Athena came up to him and made him more imposing to look at, taller and stouter than before. When he came back his son was surprised to see him looking so like an immortal, and said to him, "My dear father, one of the gods has been making you much taller and better-looking."
The classic translation · 25
Laertes answered, “Would, by Father Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, that I were the man I was when I ruled among the Cephallenians, and took Nericum, that strong fortress on the foreland. If I were still what I then was and had been in our house yesterday with my armour on, I should have been able to stand by you and help you against the suitors. I should have killed a great many of them, and you would have rejoiced to see it.”
Plain English · 25
Laertes answered, "I wish, by Father Zeus, Athena and Apollo, that I were the man I was when I ruled among the Cephallenians and took Nericum, that strong fortress on the headland. If I were still what I was then, and had been in our house yesterday with my armor on, I should have been able to stand by you and help you against the suitors. I should have killed a great many of them, and you would have been glad to see it."
The classic translation · 26
Thus did they converse; but the others, when they had finished their work and the feast was ready, left off working, and took each his proper place on the benches and seats. Then they began eating; by and by old Dolius and his sons left their work and came up, for their mother, the Sicel woman who looked after Laertes now that he was growing old, had been to fetch them. When they saw Odysseus and were certain it was he, they stood there lost in astonishment; but Odysseus scolded them good naturedly and said, “Sit down to your dinner, old man, and never mind about your surprise; we have been wanting to begin for some time and have been waiting for you.”
Plain English · 26
So they talked. But the others, when they had finished their work and the meal was ready, left off working and took their proper places on the benches and seats. Then they began to eat. Presently old Dolius and his sons left their work and came up, because their mother, the Sicel woman who looked after Laertes now that he was growing old, had been to fetch them. When they saw Odysseus and were certain it was he, they stood there lost in astonishment. But Odysseus scolded them good-naturedly and said, "Sit down to your dinner, old man, and never mind your surprise. We have been wanting to begin for some time, and have been waiting for you."
The classic translation · 27
Then Dolius put out both his hands and went up to Odysseus. “Sir,” said he, seizing his master’s hand and kissing it at the wrist, “we have long been wishing you home: and now heaven has restored you to us after we had given up hoping. All hail, therefore, and may the gods prosper you. But tell me, does Penelope already know of your return, or shall we send some one to tell her?”
Plain English · 27
Then Dolius put out both his hands and went up to Odysseus. "Sir," he said, seizing his master's hand and kissing it at the wrist, "we have long been wishing you home, and now heaven has given you back to us after we had given up hoping. All hail, then, and may the gods prosper you. But tell me, does Penelope know of your return already, or shall we send somebody to tell her?"
The classic translation · 28
“Old man,” answered Odysseus, “she knows already, so you need not trouble about that.” On this he took his seat, and the sons of Dolius gathered round Odysseus to give him greeting and embrace him one after the other; then they took their seats in due order near Dolius their father.
Plain English · 28
"Old man," Odysseus answered, "she knows already, so you need not trouble about that." At this he took his seat, and the sons of Dolius gathered round Odysseus to greet him and embrace him one after another. Then they took their seats in due order near Dolius their father.
The classic translation · 29
While they were thus busy getting their dinner ready, Rumour went round the town, and noised abroad the terrible fate that had befallen the suitors; as soon, therefore, as the people heard of it they gathered from every quarter, groaning and hooting before the house of Odysseus. They took the dead away, buried every man his own, and put the bodies of those who came from elsewhere on board the fishing vessels, for the fishermen to take each of them to his own place. They then met angrily in the place of assembly, and when they were got together Eupeithes rose to speak. He was overwhelmed with grief for the death of his son Antinous, who had been the first man killed by Odysseus, so he said, weeping bitterly, “My friends, this man has done the Achaeans great wrong. He took many of our best men away with him in his fleet, and he has lost both ships and men; now, moreover, on his return he has been killing all the foremost men among the Cephallenians. Let us be up and doing before he can get away to Pylos or to Elis where the Epeans rule, or we shall be ashamed of ourselves for ever afterwards. It will be an everlasting disgrace to us if we do not avenge the murder of our sons and brothers. For my own part I should have no more pleasure in life, but had rather die at once. Let us be up, then, and after them, before they can cross over to the main land.”
Plain English · 29
While they were busy getting their dinner ready, Rumor went round the town and spread the news of the terrible fate that had come on the suitors. As soon as the people heard of it they gathered from every quarter, groaning and hooting in front of the house of Odysseus. They took the dead away, and every man buried his own. The bodies of those who came from elsewhere they put on board the fishing boats, for the fishermen to take each of them to his own place. Then they met angrily in the meeting place, and when they had gathered, Eupeithes rose to speak. He was overwhelmed with grief for the death of his son Antinous, who had been the first man Odysseus killed. So he said, weeping bitterly, "My friends, this man has done the Achaeans great wrong. He took many of our best men away with him in his fleet, and he has lost both the ships and the men. And now, on his return, he has been killing all the foremost men among the Cephallenians. Let us be up and doing before he can get away to Pylos or to Elis where the Epeans rule, or we shall be ashamed of ourselves for ever afterward. It will be a lasting disgrace to us if we do not avenge the murder of our sons and brothers. For my own part I should have no more pleasure in life. I would rather die at once. Let us be up, then, and after them, before they can cross over to the mainland."
The classic translation · 30
He wept as he spoke and every one pitied him. But Medon and the bard Phemius had now woke up, and came to them from the house of Odysseus. Every one was astonished at seeing them, but they stood in the middle of the assembly, and Medon said, “Hear me, men of Ithaca. Odysseus did not do these things against the will of heaven. I myself saw an immortal god take the form of Mentor and stand beside him. This god appeared, now in front of him encouraging him, and now going furiously about the court and attacking the suitors whereon they fell thick on one another.”
Plain English · 30
He wept as he spoke, and everyone pitied him. But Medon and the singer Phemius had woken up now, and came to them from the house of Odysseus. Everyone was astonished to see them, but they stood in the middle of the meeting, and Medon said, "Hear me, men of Ithaca. Odysseus did not do these things against the will of heaven. I saw an immortal god myself take the form of Mentor and stand beside him. This god appeared now in front of him, encouraging him, and now going furiously about the court and attacking the suitors, and they fell thick on one another."
The classic translation · 31
On this pale fear laid hold of them, and old Halitherses, son of Mastor, rose to speak, for he was the only man among them who knew both past and future; so he spoke to them plainly and in all honesty, saying,
Plain English · 31
At this, pale fear took hold of them, and old Halitherses son of Mastor rose to speak, because he was the only man among them who knew both the past and the future. He spoke to them plainly and in all honesty, saying:
The classic translation · 32
“Men of Ithaca, it is all your own fault that things have turned out as they have; you would not listen to me, nor yet to Mentor, when we bade you check the folly of your sons who were doing much wrong in the wantonness of their hearts—wasting the substance and dishonouring the wife of a chieftain who they thought would not return. Now, however, let it be as I say, and do as I tell you. Do not go out against Odysseus, or you may find that you have been drawing down evil on your own heads.”
Plain English · 32
"Men of Ithaca, it is all your own fault that things have turned out as they have. You would not listen to me, or to Mentor, when we told you to check the folly of your sons. They were doing much wrong in the recklessness of their hearts, wasting the property and dishonoring the wife of a chieftain they thought would never come back. Now, though, let it be as I say, and do as I tell you. Do not go out against Odysseus, or you may find you have been drawing evil down on your own heads."
The classic translation · 33
This was what he said, and more than half raised a loud shout, and at once left the assembly. But the rest stayed where they were, for the speech of Halitherses displeased them, and they sided with Eupeithes; they therefore hurried off for their armour, and when they had armed themselves, they met together in front of the city, and Eupeithes led them on in their folly. He thought he was going to avenge the murder of his son, whereas in truth he was never to return, but was himself to perish in his attempt.
Plain English · 33
That was what he said, and more than half of them raised a loud shout and left the meeting at once. But the rest stayed where they were, because the speech of Halitherses displeased them, and they sided with Eupeithes. So they hurried off for their armor, and when they had armed themselves they met together in front of the city, and Eupeithes led them on in their folly. He thought he was going to avenge the murder of his son, but in truth he was never to return. He was to die himself in the attempt.
The classic translation · 34
Then Athena said to Zeus, “Father, son of Cronus, king of kings, answer me this question—What do you propose to do? Will you set them fighting still further, or will you make peace between them?”
Plain English · 34
Then Athena said to Zeus, "Father, son of Cronus, king of kings, answer me this question. What do you mean to do? Will you set them fighting still further, or will you make peace between them?"
The classic translation · 35
And Zeus answered, “My child, why should you ask me? Was it not by your own arrangement that Odysseus came home and took his revenge upon the suitors? Do whatever you like, but I will tell you what I think will be the most reasonable arrangement. Now that Odysseus is revenged, let them swear to a solemn covenant, in virtue of which he shall continue to rule, while we cause the others to forgive and forget the massacre of their sons and brothers. Let them then all become friends as heretofore, and let peace and plenty reign.”
Plain English · 35
And Zeus answered, "My child, why should you ask me? Was it not by your own arrangement that Odysseus came home and took his revenge on the suitors? Do whatever you like. But I will tell you what I think will be the most reasonable arrangement. Now that Odysseus is revenged, let them swear a solemn agreement, by which he shall go on ruling, while we make the others forgive and forget the killing of their sons and brothers. Then let them all become friends as before, and let peace and plenty reign."
The classic translation · 36
This was what Athena was already eager to bring about, so down she darted from off the topmost summits of Olympus.
Plain English · 36
This was what Athena was already eager to bring about, so down she darted from the topmost peaks of Olympus.
The classic translation · 37
Now when Laertes and the others had done dinner, Odysseus began by saying, “Some of you go out and see if they are not getting close up to us.” So one of Dolius’s sons went as he was bid. Standing on the threshold he could see them all quite near, and said to Odysseus, “Here they are, let us put on our armour at once.”
Plain English · 37
Now when Laertes and the others had finished dinner, Odysseus began by saying, "Some of you go out and see if they are not getting close to us." So one of Dolius's sons went as he was told. Standing on the threshold he could see them all quite near, and he said to Odysseus, "Here they are. Let us put on our armor at once."
The classic translation · 38
They put on their armour as fast as they could—that is to say Odysseus, his three men, and the six sons of Dolius. Laertes also and Dolius did the same—warriors by necessity in spite of their grey hair. When they had all put on their armour, they opened the gate and sallied forth, Odysseus leading the way.
Plain English · 38
They put on their armor as fast as they could, that is to say Odysseus, his three men, and the six sons of Dolius. Laertes and Dolius did the same, warriors by necessity in spite of their gray hair. When they had all put on their armor, they opened the gate and went out, with Odysseus leading the way.
The classic translation · 39
Then Zeus’s daughter Athena came up to them, having assumed the form and voice of Mentor. Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and said to his son Telemachus, “Telemachus, now that you are about to fight in an engagement, which will show every man’s mettle, be sure not to disgrace your ancestors, who were eminent for their strength and courage all the world over.”
Plain English · 39
Then Zeus's daughter Athena came up to them, having taken the form and voice of Mentor. Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and said to his son Telemachus, "Telemachus, you are about to fight in a battle that will show what every man is made of. Be sure not to disgrace your ancestors, who were famous the world over for their strength and their courage."
The classic translation · 40
“You say truly, my dear father,” answered Telemachus, “and you shall see, if you will, that I am in no mind to disgrace your family.”
Plain English · 40
"You say truly, my dear father," Telemachus answered, "and you shall see, if you will, that I am in no mind to disgrace your family."
The classic translation · 41
Laertes was delighted when he heard this. “Good heavens,” he exclaimed, “what a day I am enjoying: I do indeed rejoice at it. My son and grandson are vying with one another in the matter of valour.”
Plain English · 41
Laertes was delighted when he heard this. "Good heavens," he cried, "what a day I am enjoying. I do indeed rejoice at it. My son and my grandson are competing with each other in bravery."
The classic translation · 42
On this Athena came close up to him and said, “Son of Arceisius—-best friend I have in the world—pray to the blue-eyed damsel, and to Zeus her father; then poise your spear and hurl it.”
Plain English · 42
At this Athena came close up to him and said, "Son of Arceisius, best friend I have in the world, pray to the blue-eyed goddess and to Zeus her father. Then balance your spear and hurl it."
The classic translation · 43
As she spoke she infused fresh vigour into him, and when he had prayed to her he poised his spear and hurled it. He hit Eupeithes’ helmet, and the spear went right through it, for the helmet stayed it not, and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Meantime Odysseus and his son fell upon the front line of the foe and smote them with their swords and spears; indeed, they would have killed every one of them, and prevented them from ever getting home again, only Athena raised her voice aloud, and made every one pause. “Men of Ithaca,” she cried, “cease this dreadful war, and settle the matter at once without further bloodshed.”
Plain English · 43
As she spoke she put fresh strength into him, and when he had prayed to her he balanced his spear and hurled it. He hit Eupeithes on the helmet, and the spear went right through it, because the helmet did not stop it. His armor rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Meanwhile Odysseus and his son fell on the front line of the enemy and struck them with their swords and spears. They would have killed every one of them, and stopped them ever getting home again, only Athena raised her voice aloud and made everyone pause. "Men of Ithaca," she cried, "stop this dreadful war, and settle the matter at once without any more bloodshed."
The classic translation · 44
On this pale fear seized every one; they were so frightened that their arms dropped from their hands and fell upon the ground at the sound of the goddess’ voice, and they fled back to the city for their lives. But Odysseus gave a great cry, and gathering himself together swooped down like a soaring eagle. Then the son of Cronus sent a thunderbolt of fire that fell just in front of Athena, so she said to Odysseus, “Odysseus, noble son of Laertes, stop this warful strife, or Zeus will be angry with you.”
Plain English · 44
At this, pale fear seized every one of them. They were so frightened that their weapons dropped from their hands and fell on the ground at the sound of the goddess's voice. They fled back to the city for their lives. But Odysseus gave a great cry, and gathered himself together and swooped down like a soaring eagle. Then the son of Cronus sent a thunderbolt of fire that fell just in front of Athena. "Odysseus, noble son of Laertes," she said, "stop this fighting, or Zeus will be angry with you."
The classic translation · 45
Thus spoke Athena, and Odysseus obeyed her gladly. Then Athena assumed the form and voice of Mentor, and presently made a covenant of peace between the two contending parties.
Plain English · 45
So spoke Athena, and Odysseus obeyed her gladly. Then Athena took the form and voice of Mentor, and presently made a solemn agreement of peace between the two sides.
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