The Odyssey in Plain English · Homer · openearbooks.com
Book Thirteen
ODYSSEUS LEAVES SCHERIA AND RETURNS TO ITHACA.
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
Thus did he speak, and they all held their peace throughout the covered cloister, enthralled by the charm of his story, till presently Alcinous began to speak.
Plain English · 1
So he spoke, and they all sat in silence throughout the covered walkway, held by the charm of his story, until presently Alcinous began to speak.
The classic translation · 2
“Odysseus,” said he, “now that you have reached my house I doubt not you will get home without further misadventure no matter how much you have suffered in the past. To you others, however, who come here night after night to drink my choicest wine and listen to my bard, I would insist as follows. Our guest has already packed up the clothes, wrought gold, and other valuables which you have brought for his acceptance; let us now, therefore, present him further, each one of us, with a large tripod and a cauldron. We will recoup ourselves by the levy of a general rate; for private individuals cannot be expected to bear the burden of such a handsome present.”
Plain English · 2
"Odysseus," he said, "now that you have reached my house I have no doubt you will get home without any further trouble, however much you have suffered in the past. But to the rest of you, who come here night after night to drink my best wine and listen to my singer, I want to say this. Our guest has already packed up the clothes, the worked gold and the other valuable things you have brought for him to take. Let each one of us now give him something more, a large three-legged pot and a cauldron. We will get the money back by charging the whole town for it. No one man should have to carry the cost of a present as handsome as that."
The classic translation · 3
Every one approved of this, and then they went home to bed each in his own abode. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they hurried down to the ship and brought their cauldrons with them. Alcinous went on board and saw everything so securely stowed under the ship’s benches that nothing could break adrift and injure the rowers. Then they went to the house of Alcinous to get dinner, and he sacrificed a bull for them in honour of Zeus who is the lord of all. They set the steaks to grill and made an excellent dinner, after which the inspired bard, Demodocus, who was a favourite with every one, sang to them; but Odysseus kept on turning his eyes towards the sun, as though to hasten his setting, for he was longing to be on his way. As one who has been all day ploughing a fallow field with a couple of oxen keeps thinking about his supper and is glad when night comes that he may go and get it, for it is all his legs can do to carry him, even so did Odysseus rejoice when the sun went down, and he at once said to the Phaeacians, addressing himself more particularly to King Alcinous:
Plain English · 3
Everyone approved of this, and then they went home to bed, each to his own house. When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, they hurried down to the ship and brought their cauldrons with them. Alcinous went on board and saw everything stowed so securely under the ship's benches that nothing could come loose and hurt the rowers. Then they went to the house of Alcinous for dinner, and he sacrificed a bull for them in honor of Zeus, who is lord of all. They set the steaks to grill and made an excellent dinner, after which the inspired singer Demodocus, who was a favorite with everyone, sang to them. But Odysseus kept turning his eyes toward the sun, as though to hurry it down, because he was longing to be on his way. A man who has been plowing a fallow field all day with a pair of oxen keeps thinking about his supper. He is glad when night comes so that he can go and get it, because it is all his legs can do to carry him. In just that way Odysseus was glad when the sun went down, and he said at once to the Phaeacians, speaking particularly to King Alcinous:
The classic translation · 4
“Sir, and all of you, farewell. Make your drink-offerings and send me on my way rejoicing, for you have fulfilled my heart’s desire by giving me an escort, and making me presents, which heaven grant that I may turn to good account; may I find my admirable wife living in peace among friends, and may you whom I leave behind me give satisfaction to your wives and children; may heaven vouchsafe you every good grace, and may no evil thing come among your people.”
Plain English · 4
"Sir, and all of you, farewell. Make your drink-offerings and send me on my way rejoicing, because you have given me everything my heart wanted: an escort, and presents, which I pray heaven I may put to good use. May I find my admirable wife living in peace among friends, and may all of you I leave behind give satisfaction to your wives and children. May heaven grant you every good thing, and may no evil come among your people."
The classic translation · 5
Thus did he speak. His hearers all of them approved his saying and agreed that he should have his escort inasmuch as he had spoken reasonably. Alcinous therefore said to his servant, “Pontonous, mix some wine and hand it round to everybody, that we may offer a prayer to father Zeus, and speed our guest upon his way.”
Plain English · 5
So he spoke. All who heard him approved of what he said, and agreed that he should have his escort, since he had spoken reasonably. So Alcinous said to his servant, "Pontonous, mix some wine and hand it round to everybody, so that we may say a prayer to Father Zeus and speed our guest on his way."
The classic translation · 6
Pontonous mixed the wine and handed it to every one in turn; the others each from his own seat made a drink-offering to the blessed gods that live in heaven, but Odysseus rose and placed the double cup in the hands of queen Arete.
Plain English · 6
Pontonous mixed the wine and handed it to everyone in turn. The others each made a drink-offering to the blessed gods that live in heaven from where they sat, but Odysseus stood up and put the double cup into the hands of Queen Arete.
The classic translation · 7
“Farewell, queen,” said he, “henceforward and for ever, till age and death, the common lot of mankind, lay their hands upon you. I now take my leave; be happy in this house with your children, your people, and with king Alcinous.”
Plain English · 7
"Farewell, queen," he said, "from now on and for ever, until old age and death, which come to everyone, lay their hands on you. I am taking my leave now. Be happy in this house, with your children, your people and King Alcinous."
The classic translation · 8
As he spoke he crossed the threshold, and Alcinous sent a man to conduct him to his ship and to the sea shore. Arete also sent some maidservants with him—one with a clean shirt and cloak, another to carry his strong box, and a third with corn and wine. When they got to the water side the crew took these things and put them on board, with all the meat and drink; but for Odysseus they spread a rug and a linen sheet on deck that he might sleep soundly in the stern of the ship. Then he too went on board and lay down without a word, but the crew took every man his place and loosed the hawser from the pierced stone to which it had been bound. Thereon, when they began rowing out to sea, Odysseus fell into a deep, sweet, and almost deathlike slumber.
Plain English · 8
As he spoke he crossed the threshold, and Alcinous sent a man to take him to his ship and to the seashore. Arete sent some maids with him too: one with a clean shirt and cloak, another to carry his strong box, and a third with grain and wine. When they got down to the water the crew took these things and put them on board, along with all the meat and drink. For Odysseus they spread a rug and a linen sheet on deck, so that he could sleep soundly in the stern of the ship. Then he too went on board and lay down without a word. The crew each took his place. They loosed the rope from the stone with a hole through it that it had been tied to. Then, as they began rowing out to sea, Odysseus fell into a deep, sweet sleep, almost like death.
The classic translation · 9
The ship bounded forward on her way as a four in hand chariot flies over the course when the horses feel the whip. Her prow curvetted as it were the neck of a stallion, and a great wave of dark blue water seethed in her wake. She held steadily on her course, and even a falcon, swiftest of all birds, could not have kept pace with her. Thus, then, she cut her way through the water, carrying one who was as cunning as the gods, but who was now sleeping peacefully, forgetful of all that he had suffered both on the field of battle and by the waves of the weary sea.
Plain English · 9
The ship sprang forward on her way like a chariot with four horses flying over the course when the horses feel the whip. Her prow rose and dipped like the neck of a stallion, and a great wave of dark blue water boiled up in her wake. She held steadily on her course, and not even a falcon, the swiftest of all birds, could have kept pace with her. So she cut her way through the water, carrying a man as cunning as the gods. But he was sleeping peacefully now, forgetting everything he had suffered on the field of battle and on the waves of the weary sea.
The classic translation · 10
When the bright star that heralds the approach of dawn began to show, the ship drew near to land. Now there is in Ithaca a haven of the old merman Phorcys, which lies between two points that break the line of the sea and shut the harbour in. These shelter it from the storms of wind and sea that rage outside, so that, when once within it, a ship may lie without being even moored. At the head of this harbour there is a large olive tree, and at no great distance a fine overarching cavern sacred to the nymphs who are called Naiads. There are mixing bowls within it and wine-jars of stone, and the bees hive there. Moreover, there are great looms of stone on which the nymphs weave their robes of sea purple—very curious to see—and at all times there is water within it. It has two entrances, one facing North by which mortals can go down into the cave, while the other comes from the South and is more mysterious; mortals cannot possibly get in by it, it is the way taken by the gods.
Plain English · 10
When the bright star that announces the coming of dawn began to show, the ship drew near to land. Now there is a harbor in Ithaca that belongs to the old sea-god Phorcys. It lies between two headlands that break the line of the sea and close the harbor in. These shelter it from the storms of wind and sea that rage outside, so that once a ship is inside she can lie there without even being moored. At the head of this harbor there is a large olive tree, and not far off a fine cave with an arching roof, sacred to the nymphs who are called Naiads. There are mixing bowls inside it, and wine jars of stone, and the bees make their hive there. There are great looms of stone as well, on which the nymphs weave their robes of sea purple, which is a very strange thing to see, and there is water inside it at all times. It has two entrances. One faces north, and by that one mortals can go down into the cave. The other comes from the south and is more mysterious. No mortal can possibly get in by it. That is the way the gods take.
The classic translation · 11
Into this harbour, then, they took their ship, for they knew the place. She had so much way upon her that she ran half her own length on to the shore; when, however, they had landed, the first thing they did was to lift Odysseus with his rug and linen sheet out of the ship, and lay him down upon the sand still fast asleep. Then they took out the presents which Athena had persuaded the Phaeacians to give him when he was setting out on his voyage homewards. They put these all together by the root of the olive tree, away from the road, for fear some passer by might come and steal them before Odysseus awoke; and then they made the best of their way home again.
Plain English · 11
So they took their ship into this harbor, because they knew the place. She had so much way on her that she ran half her own length up onto the shore. When they had landed, the first thing they did was to lift Odysseus out of the ship with his rug and his linen sheet, and lay him down on the sand, still fast asleep. Then they took out the presents Athena had persuaded the Phaeacians to give him when he was setting out on his voyage home. They put them all together by the root of the olive tree, away from the road, in case some passer-by came and stole them before Odysseus woke. Then they made the best of their way home again.
The classic translation · 12
But Poseidon did not forget the threats with which he had already threatened Odysseus, so he took counsel with Zeus. “Father Zeus,” said he, “I shall no longer be held in any sort of respect among you gods, if mortals like the Phaeacians, who are my own flesh and blood, show such small regard for me. I said I would let Odysseus get home when he had suffered sufficiently. I did not say that he should never get home at all, for I knew you had already nodded your head about it, and promised that he should do so; but now they have brought him in a ship fast asleep and have landed him in Ithaca after loading him with more magnificent presents of bronze, gold, and raiment than he would ever have brought back from Troy, if he had had his share of the spoil and got home without misadventure.”
Plain English · 12
But Poseidon had not forgotten the threats he had already made against Odysseus, so he went to consult Zeus. "Father Zeus," he said, "I shall not be held in any respect at all among you gods. Mortals like the Phaeacians are my own flesh and blood, and see how little regard they show me. I said I would let Odysseus get home when he had suffered enough. I did not say he should never get home at all, because I knew you had already nodded your head about it and promised that he should. But now they have brought him home in a ship, fast asleep, and landed him in Ithaca loaded with presents of bronze and gold and cloth. They are finer than anything he would have brought back from Troy, even with his full share of the plunder and no trouble on the way."
The classic translation · 13
And Zeus answered, “What, O Lord of the Earthquake, are you talking about? The gods are by no means wanting in respect for you. It would be monstrous were they to insult one so old and honoured as you are. As regards mortals, however, if any of them is indulging in insolence and treating you disrespectfully, it will always rest with yourself to deal with him as you may think proper, so do just as you please.”
Plain English · 13
And Zeus answered, "What are you talking about, Lord of the Earthquake? The gods are in no way short of respect for you. It would be monstrous if they insulted anyone so old and so honored as you are. As for mortals, if any of them is behaving insolently and treating you with disrespect, it will always be up to you to deal with him as you think proper. So do exactly as you please."
The classic translation · 14
“I should have done so at once,” replied Poseidon, “if I were not anxious to avoid anything that might displease you; now, therefore, I should like to wreck the Phaeacian ship as it is returning from its escort. This will stop them from escorting people in future; and I should also like to bury their city under a huge mountain.”
Plain English · 14
"I should have done it at once," Poseidon replied, "if I were not anxious to avoid anything that might displease you. So now I should like to wreck the Phaeacian ship as she comes back from taking him home. That will stop them escorting people in future. And I should like to bury their city under a huge mountain as well."
The classic translation · 15
“My good friend,” answered Zeus, “I should recommend you at the very moment when the people from the city are watching the ship on her way, to turn it into a rock near the land and looking like a ship. This will astonish everybody, and you can then bury their city under the mountain.”
Plain English · 15
"My good friend," Zeus answered, "my advice would be this. At the very moment when the people from the city are watching the ship come in, turn her into a rock near the shore, still looking like a ship. That will astonish everybody, and then you can bury their city under the mountain."
The classic translation · 16
When earth-encircling Poseidon heard this he went to Scheria where the Phaeacians live, and stayed there till the ship, which was making rapid way, had got close in. Then he went up to it, turned it into stone, and drove it down with the flat of his hand so as to root it in the ground. After this he went away.
Plain English · 16
When Poseidon who encircles the earth heard this, he went to Scheria where the Phaeacians live, and stayed there until the ship, which was coming on fast, had got close in. Then he went up to her, turned her to stone, and drove her down with the flat of his hand so that she took root in the ground. After that he went away.
The classic translation · 17
The Phaeacians then began talking among themselves, and one would turn towards his neighbour, saying, “Bless my heart, who is it that can have rooted the ship in the sea just as she was getting into port? We could see the whole of her only a moment ago.”
Plain English · 17
The Phaeacians began talking among themselves, and one would turn to his neighbor and say, "Bless my heart, who can have rooted the ship in the sea just as she was coming into port? We could see the whole of her only a moment ago."
The classic translation · 18
This was how they talked, but they knew nothing about it; and Alcinous said, “I remember now the old prophecy of my father. He said that Poseidon would be angry with us for taking every one so safely over the sea, and would one day wreck a Phaeacian ship as it was returning from an escort, and bury our city under a high mountain. This was what my old father used to say, and now it is all coming true. Now therefore let us all do as I say; in the first place we must leave off giving people escorts when they come here, and in the next let us sacrifice twelve picked bulls to Poseidon that he may have mercy upon us, and not bury our city under the high mountain.” When the people heard this they were afraid and got ready the bulls.
Plain English · 18
That was how they talked, but they knew nothing about it. Then Alcinous said, "Now I remember the old prophecy my father made. He said Poseidon would be angry with us for taking everybody so safely over the sea, and that one day he would wreck a Phaeacian ship as she came back from an escort, and would bury our city under a high mountain. That was what my old father used to say, and now it is all coming true. So now let us all do as I say. First, we must stop giving people escorts when they come here. Second, let us sacrifice twelve picked bulls to Poseidon, so that he may have mercy on us and not bury our city under the high mountain." When the people heard this they were afraid, and got the bulls ready.
The classic translation · 19
Thus did the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians pray to king Poseidon, standing round his altar; and at the same time Odysseus woke up once more upon his own soil. He had been so long away that he did not know it again; moreover, Zeus’s daughter Athena had made it a foggy day, so that people might not know of his having come, and that she might tell him everything without either his wife or his fellow citizens and friends recognising him until he had taken his revenge upon the wicked suitors. Everything, therefore, seemed quite different to him—the long straight tracks, the harbours, the precipices, and the goodly trees, appeared all changed as he started up and looked upon his native land. So he smote his thighs with the flat of his hands and cried aloud despairingly.
Plain English · 19
So the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians stood round Poseidon's altar and prayed to him. And at that same moment Odysseus woke up on his own soil. He had been away so long that he did not know it again. What was more, Zeus's daughter Athena had made it a foggy day. She did it so that people should not know he had come, and so that she could tell him everything before his wife or his fellow citizens or his friends recognized him. He was not to be known until he had taken his revenge on the wicked suitors. So everything seemed quite different to him. The long straight tracks, the harbors, the cliffs and the fine trees all looked changed as he started up and looked at his own land. So he struck his thighs with the flat of his hands and cried aloud in despair.
The classic translation · 20
“Alas,” he exclaimed, “among what manner of people am I fallen? Are they savage and uncivilised or hospitable and humane? Where shall I put all this treasure, and which way shall I go? I wish I had staid over there with the Phaeacians; or I could have gone to some other great chief who would have been good to me and given me an escort. As it is I do not know where to put my treasure, and I cannot leave it here for fear somebody else should get hold of it. In good truth the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians have not been dealing fairly by me, and have left me in the wrong country; they said they would take me back to Ithaca and they have not done so: may Zeus the protector of suppliants chastise them, for he watches over everybody and punishes those who do wrong. Still, I suppose I must count my goods and see if the crew have gone off with any of them.”
Plain English · 20
"Oh no," he cried, "what sort of people have I come among this time? Are they savage and lawless, or are they kind to strangers and decent? Where shall I put all this treasure, and which way shall I go? I wish I had stayed over there with the Phaeacians. Or I could have gone to some other great chief who would have been good to me and given me an escort. As it is, I do not know where to put my treasure, and I cannot leave it here in case somebody else gets hold of it. The truth is that the chiefs and rulers of the Phaeacians have not dealt fairly with me. They have left me in the wrong country. They said they would take me back to Ithaca and they have not done it. May Zeus, who protects people who come begging for help, punish them, because he watches over everybody and punishes those who do wrong. Still, I suppose I must count my goods and see whether the crew have gone off with any of them."
The classic translation · 21
He counted his goodly coppers and cauldrons, his gold and all his clothes, but there was nothing missing; still he kept grieving about not being in his own country, and wandered up and down by the shore of the sounding sea bewailing his hard fate. Then Athena came up to him disguised as a young shepherd of delicate and princely mien, with a good cloak folded double about her shoulders; she had sandals on her comely feet and held a javelin in her hand. Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and went straight up to her.
Plain English · 21
He counted his fine bronze pots and cauldrons, his gold and all his clothes, and there was nothing missing. Even so he went on grieving that he was not in his own country, and wandered up and down by the shore of the sounding sea, mourning his hard fate. Then Athena came up to him, disguised as a young shepherd with the delicate, princely look of a king's son. She had a good cloak folded double about her shoulders, sandals on her fine feet, and a javelin in her hand. Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and went straight up to her.
The classic translation · 22
“My friend,” said he, “you are the first person whom I have met with in this country; I salute you, therefore, and beg you to be well disposed towards me. Protect these my goods, and myself too, for I embrace your knees and pray to you as though you were a god. Tell me, then, and tell me truly, what land and country is this? Who are its inhabitants? Am I on an island, or is this the sea board of some continent?”
Plain English · 22
"My friend," he said, "you are the first person I have met in this country, so I greet you, and I beg you to be well disposed toward me. Protect these goods of mine, and me as well, because I have taken hold of your knees and pray to you as though you were a god. Tell me, then, and tell me truly, what land and country is this? Who are the people who live here? Am I on an island, or is this the coast of some larger country?"
The classic translation · 23
Athena answered, “Stranger, you must be very simple, or must have come from somewhere a long way off, not to know what country this is. It is a very celebrated place, and everybody knows it both East and West. It is rugged and not a good driving country, but it is by no means a bad island for what there is of it. It grows any quantity of corn and also wine, for it is watered both by rain and dew; it breeds cattle also and goats; all kinds of timber grow here, and there are watering places where the water never runs dry; so, sir, the name of Ithaca is known even as far as Troy, which I understand to be a long way off from this Achaean country.”
Plain English · 23
Athena answered, "Stranger, you must be very simple, or you must have come from a long way off, not to know what country this is. It is a very famous place, and everybody knows it, east and west. It is rough ground and not good country for driving, but it is by no means a bad island for its size. It grows any amount of grain, and wine too, because it is watered by both rain and dew. It breeds cattle and goats as well. All kinds of timber grow here, and there are watering places where the water never runs dry. So, sir, the name of Ithaca is known even as far away as Troy, which I understand is a long way from this Achaean country."
The classic translation · 24
Odysseus was glad at finding himself, as Athena told him, in his own country, and he began to answer, but he did not speak the truth, and made up a lying story in the instinctive wiliness of his heart.
Plain English · 24
Odysseus was glad at finding himself in his own country, as Athena told him he was. He began to answer her, but he did not tell the truth. He made up a lying story, out of the cunning that was in his nature.
The classic translation · 25
“I heard of Ithaca,” said he, “when I was in Crete beyond the seas, and now it seems I have reached it with all these treasures. I have left as much more behind me for my children, but am flying because I killed Orsilochus son of Idomeneus, the fleetest runner in Crete. I killed him because he wanted to rob me of the spoils I had got from Troy with so much trouble and danger both on the field of battle and by the waves of the weary sea; he said I had not served his father loyally at Troy as vassal, but had set myself up as an independent ruler, so I lay in wait for him with one of my followers by the road side, and speared him as he was coming into town from the country. It was a very dark night and nobody saw us; it was not known, therefore, that I had killed him, but as soon as I had done so I went to a ship and besought the owners, who were Phoenicians, to take me on board and set me in Pylos or in Elis where the Epeans rule, giving them as much spoil as satisfied them. They meant no guile, but the wind drove them off their course, and we sailed on till we came hither by night. It was all we could do to get inside the harbour, and none of us said a word about supper though we wanted it badly, but we all went on shore and lay down just as we were. I was very tired and fell asleep directly, so they took my goods out of the ship, and placed them beside me where I was lying upon the sand. Then they sailed away to Sidonia, and I was left here in great distress of mind.”
Plain English · 25
"I heard of Ithaca," he said, "when I was in Crete across the sea, and now it seems I have reached it with all these treasures. I have left as much again behind me for my children. I am running because I killed Orsilochus, the son of Idomeneus, the fastest runner in Crete. I killed him because he wanted to rob me of the plunder I had got from Troy with so much trouble and danger, both on the field of battle and on the waves of the weary sea. He said I had not served his father loyally at Troy as a man under his command, but had set myself up as a ruler in my own right. So I lay in wait for him by the roadside with one of my followers, and speared him as he was coming into town from the country. It was a very dark night and nobody saw us, so it was never known that I had killed him. But as soon as I had done it I went to a ship and begged the owners, who were Phoenicians, to take me on board and put me ashore at Pylos, or in Elis where the Epeans rule. I gave them enough plunder to satisfy them. They meant no harm, but the wind drove them off their course, and we sailed on until we came here by night. It was all we could do to get inside the harbor, and none of us said a word about supper, though we wanted it badly. We all went ashore and lay down just as we were. I was very tired and fell asleep at once, so they took my goods out of the ship and put them down beside me where I was lying on the sand. Then they sailed away to Sidonia, and I was left here in great distress of mind."
The classic translation · 26
Such was his story, but Athena smiled and caressed him with her hand. Then she took the form of a woman, fair, stately, and wise, “He must be indeed a shifty lying fellow,” said she, “who could surpass you in all manner of craft even though you had a god for your antagonist. Dare devil that you are, full of guile, unwearying in deceit, can you not drop your tricks and your instinctive falsehood, even now that you are in your own country again? We will say no more, however, about this, for we can both of us deceive upon occasion—you are the most accomplished counsellor and orator among all mankind, while I for diplomacy and subtlety have no equal among the gods. Did you not know Zeus’s daughter Athena—me, who have been ever with you, who kept watch over you in all your troubles, and who made the Phaeacians take so great a liking to you? And now, again, I am come here to talk things over with you, and help you to hide the treasure I made the Phaeacians give you; I want to tell you about the troubles that await you in your own house; you have got to face them, but tell no one, neither man nor woman, that you have come home again. Bear everything, and put up with every man’s insolence, without a word.”
Plain English · 26
That was his story, but Athena smiled and stroked him with her hand. Then she took the form of a woman, beautiful, stately and wise. "He would have to be a shifty, lying fellow," she said, "who could beat you at any kind of trickery, even if he had a god for an opponent. You daredevil, full of cunning, never tired of deceiving people, can you not drop your tricks and your instinctive lying, even now that you are in your own country again? But we will say no more about that, because we can both of us deceive when we choose. You are the most accomplished adviser and speaker among all mankind, while I have no equal among the gods for cleverness and subtlety. Did you not know me? Athena, daughter of Zeus, who have always been with you, who kept watch over you in all your troubles, and who made the Phaeacians take such a liking to you? And now here I am again, to talk things over with you and help you hide the treasure I made the Phaeacians give you. I want to tell you about the troubles waiting for you in your own house. You have got to face them, but tell nobody, man or woman, that you have come home again. Bear everything, and put up with every man's insolence, without a word."
The classic translation · 27
And Odysseus answered, “A man, goddess, may know a great deal, but you are so constantly changing your appearance that when he meets you it is a hard matter for him to know whether it is you or not. This much, however, I know exceedingly well; you were very kind to me as long as we Achaeans were fighting before Troy, but from the day on which we went on board ship after having sacked the city of Priam, and heaven dispersed us—from that day, Athena, I saw no more of you, and cannot ever remember your coming to my ship to help me in a difficulty; I had to wander on sick and sorry till the gods delivered me from evil and I reached the city of the Phaeacians, where you encouraged me and took me into the town. And now, I beseech you in your father’s name, tell me the truth, for I do not believe I am really back in Ithaca. I am in some other country and you are mocking me and deceiving me in all you have been saying. Tell me then truly, have I really got back to my own country?”
Plain English · 27
And Odysseus answered, "A man may know a great deal, goddess, but you change your appearance so constantly that when he meets you it is hard for him to know whether it is you or not. This much, though, I know very well: you were very kind to me all the time we Achaeans were fighting at Troy. But from the day we went on board ship after sacking the city of Priam, and heaven scattered us, from that day on, Athena, I saw no more of you. I cannot remember your ever coming to my ship to help me out of a difficulty. I had to wander on, sick and sorry, until the gods delivered me from evil and I reached the city of the Phaeacians, where you encouraged me and brought me into the town. And now I beg you, in your father's name, tell me the truth, because I do not believe I am really back in Ithaca. I am in some other country, and you are mocking me and deceiving me in everything you have been saying. So tell me truly: have I really got back to my own country?"
The classic translation · 28
“You are always taking something of that sort in your head,” replied Athena, “and that is why I cannot desert you in your afflictions; you are so plausible, shrewd and shifty. Any one but yourself on returning from so long a voyage would at once have gone home to see his wife and children, but you do not seem to care about asking after them or hearing any news about them till you have exploited your wife, who remains at home vainly grieving for you, and having no peace night or day for the tears she sheds on your behalf. As for my not coming near you, I was never uneasy about you, for I was certain you would get back safely though you would lose all your men, and I did not wish to quarrel with my uncle Poseidon, who never forgave you for having blinded his son. I will now, however, point out to you the lie of the land, and you will then perhaps believe me. This is the haven of the old merman Phorcys, and here is the olive tree that grows at the head of it; near it is the cave sacred to the Naiads; here too is the overarching cavern in which you have offered many an acceptable hecatomb to the nymphs, and this is the wooded mountain Neritum.”
Plain English · 28
"You are always getting something of that sort into your head," Athena replied, "and that is why I cannot desert you when you are in trouble. You are so plausible, so shrewd and so shifty. Anybody else coming home from so long a voyage would have gone straight home to see his wife and children. But you do not seem to care about asking after them, or hearing any news of them, until you have first put your wife to the test. And she stays at home grieving for you, with no peace night or day for the tears she sheds over you. As for my not coming near you, I was never uneasy about you. I was certain you would get back safely, though you would lose all your men. And I did not want to quarrel with my uncle Poseidon, who never forgave you for blinding his son. But I will show you the lie of the land now, and then perhaps you will believe me. This is the harbor of the old sea-god Phorcys, and here is the olive tree that grows at the head of it. Near it is the cave sacred to the Naiads. Here too is the cave with the arching roof, where you have often given the nymphs a hundred oxen and they were glad of it. And this is the wooded mountain Neritum."
The classic translation · 29
As she spoke the goddess dispersed the mist and the land appeared. Then Odysseus rejoiced at finding himself again in his own land, and kissed the bounteous soil; he lifted up his hands and prayed to the nymphs, saying, “Naiad nymphs, daughters of Zeus, I made sure that I was never again to see you, now therefore I greet you with all loving salutations, and I will bring you offerings as in the old days, if Zeus’s redoubtable daughter will grant me life, and bring my son to manhood.”
Plain English · 29
As she spoke, the goddess cleared the mist away, and the land appeared. Then Odysseus was overjoyed to find himself back in his own land, and he kissed the generous soil. He lifted up his hands and prayed to the nymphs. "Naiad nymphs, daughters of Zeus," he said, "I was certain I would never see you again. So now I greet you with all my love, and I will bring you offerings as I did in the old days, if the mighty daughter of Zeus will grant me my life and bring my son to manhood."
The classic translation · 30
“Take heart, and do not trouble yourself about that,” rejoined Athena, “let us rather set about stowing your things at once in the cave, where they will be quite safe. Let us see how we can best manage it all.”
Plain English · 30
"Take heart, and do not trouble yourself about that," Athena answered. "Let us rather set about stowing your things in the cave at once, where they will be quite safe. Let us see how we can best manage it all."
The classic translation · 31
Therewith she went down into the cave to look for the safest hiding places, while Odysseus brought up all the treasure of gold, bronze, and good clothing which the Phaeacians had given him. They stowed everything carefully away, and Athena set a stone against the door of the cave. Then the two sat down by the root of the great olive, and consulted how to compass the destruction of the wicked suitors.
Plain English · 31
With that she went down into the cave to look for the safest hiding places, while Odysseus brought up all the treasure of gold and bronze and good clothing the Phaeacians had given him. They stowed everything carefully away, and Athena set a stone against the door of the cave. Then the two of them sat down by the root of the great olive and worked out how to destroy the wicked suitors.
The classic translation · 32
“Odysseus,” said Athena, “noble son of Laertes, think how you can lay hands on these disreputable people who have been lording it in your house these three years, courting your wife and making wedding presents to her, while she does nothing but lament your absence, giving hope and sending encouraging messages to every one of them, but meaning the very opposite of all she says.”
Plain English · 32
"Odysseus," said Athena, "noble son of Laertes, think how you can lay hands on these shameless people, who have been lording it in your house these three years, courting your wife and making her wedding presents, while she does nothing but mourn your absence. She gives every one of them hope and sends him encouraging messages, but she means the very opposite of everything she says."
The classic translation · 33
And Odysseus answered, “In good truth, goddess, it seems I should have come to much the same bad end in my own house as Agamemnon did, if you had not given me such timely information. Advise me how I shall best avenge myself. Stand by my side and put your courage into my heart as on the day when we loosed Troy’s fair diadem from her brow. Help me now as you did then, and I will fight three hundred men, if you, goddess, will be with me.”
Plain English · 33
And Odysseus answered, "The truth is, goddess, it seems I would have come to much the same bad end in my own house as Agamemnon did, if you had not told me all this in time. Advise me how I can best take my revenge. Stand by my side and put your courage into my heart, as you did on the day we tore the fair crown of towers from Troy's head. Help me now as you did then, and I will fight three hundred men, if you will be with me, goddess."
The classic translation · 34
“Trust me for that,” said she, “I will not lose sight of you when once we set about it, and I imagine that some of those who are devouring your substance will then bespatter the pavement with their blood and brains. I will begin by disguising you so that no human being shall know you; I will cover your body with wrinkles; you shall lose all your yellow hair; I will clothe you in a garment that shall fill all who see it with loathing; I will blear your fine eyes for you, and make you an unseemly object in the sight of the suitors, of your wife, and of the son whom you left behind you. Then go at once to the swineherd who is in charge of your pigs; he has been always well affected towards you, and is devoted to Penelope and your son; you will find him feeding his pigs near the rock that is called Raven by the fountain Arethusa, where they are fattening on beechmast and spring water after their manner. Stay with him and find out how things are going, while I proceed to Sparta and see your son, who is with Menelaus at Lacedaemon, where he has gone to try and find out whether you are still alive.”
Plain English · 34
"Trust me for that," she said. "I will not lose sight of you once we set about it, and I expect some of those who are eating up your goods will spatter the floor with their blood and brains. I will begin by disguising you so that no human being will know you. I will cover your body with wrinkles. You shall lose all your yellow hair. I will dress you in clothes that will fill everyone who sees them with disgust. I will make your fine eyes red and watery, and turn you into an ugly object in the sight of the suitors, and of your wife, and of the son you left behind you. Then go at once to the swineherd who looks after your pigs. He has always been well disposed toward you, and he is devoted to Penelope and to your son. You will find him feeding his pigs near the rock called Raven, by the spring Arethusa, where they are fattening on beech nuts and spring water, as pigs do. Stay with him and find out how things are going, while I go to Sparta to see your son, who is with Menelaus at Lacedaemon, where he has gone to try to find out whether you are still alive."
The classic translation · 35
“But why,” said Odysseus, “did you not tell him, for you knew all about it? Did you want him too to go sailing about amid all kinds of hardship while others are eating up his estate?”
Plain English · 35
"But why," said Odysseus, "did you not tell him, since you knew all about it? Did you want him too to go sailing about through all kinds of hardship, while other men eat up his estate?"
The classic translation · 36
Athena answered, “Never mind about him, I sent him that he might be well spoken of for having gone. He is in no sort of difficulty, but is staying quite comfortably with Menelaus, and is surrounded with abundance of every kind. The suitors have put out to sea and are lying in wait for him, for they mean to kill him before he can get home. I do not much think they will succeed, but rather that some of those who are now eating up your estate will first find a grave themselves.”
Plain English · 36
Athena answered, "Never mind about him. I sent him so that people would think well of him for having gone. He is in no difficulty at all. He is staying quite comfortably with Menelaus, and has plenty of everything around him. The suitors have put out to sea and are lying in wait for him, because they mean to kill him before he can get home. I do not much think they will succeed. I think rather that some of those who are now eating up your estate will find graves themselves first."
The classic translation · 37
As she spoke Athena touched him with her wand and covered him with wrinkles, took away all his yellow hair, and withered the flesh over his whole body; she bleared his eyes, which were naturally very fine ones; she changed his clothes and threw an old rag of a wrap about him, and a tunic, tattered, filthy, and begrimed with smoke; she also gave him an undressed deer skin as an outer garment, and furnished him with a staff and a wallet all in holes, with a twisted thong for him to sling it over his shoulder.
Plain English · 37
As she spoke, Athena touched him with her wand. She covered him with wrinkles, took away all his yellow hair, and shriveled the flesh over his whole body. She made his eyes red and watery, though they were naturally very fine. She changed his clothes and threw an old rag of a wrap about him, and a tunic that was tattered, filthy and blackened with smoke. She gave him an untanned deer skin as well, to wear on top, and a staff, and a bag full of holes with a twisted strap to sling it over his shoulder.
The classic translation · 38
When the pair had thus laid their plans they parted, and the goddess went straight to Lacedaemon to fetch Telemachus.
Plain English · 38
When the two of them had laid their plans, they parted, and the goddess went straight to Lacedaemon to fetch Telemachus.
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