The Odyssey Page 0,18

of men and gods, which bards make famous. Sit and sing one of these. The rest drink wine in silence. But cease this song, this song of woe, which harrows evermore the soul within my breast; because on me has fallen grief not to be appeased. So dear a face I miss, ever remembering one whose fame is wide through Hellasd and mid-Argos.”

Then answered her discreet Telemachus: “My mother, why forbid the honored bard to cheer us in whatever way his mind is moved? The bards are not to blame, but rather Zeus, who gives to toiling men even as he wills to each. And for the bard, there is no ground for blaming if he sings the Danaaäns’ e cruel doom. The song which men most heartily applaud is that which comes the newest to their ears. Then let your heart and soul submit to listen; for not Odysseus only lost the day of his return at Troy, but many another perished also. No, seek your chamber and attend to matters of your own,—the loom, the distaff,—and bid the women ply their tasks.8 Words are for men, for all, especially for me; for power within this house rests here.”

Amazed, she turned to her own room again, for the wise saying of her son she laid to heart. And coming to the upper chamber with her maids, she there bewailed Odysseus, her dear husband, till on her lids clear-eyed Athene caused a sweet sleep to fall.

But the suitors broke into uproar up and down the dusky hall, and longed to win her favor. Then thus discreet Telemachus began to speak: “Proud suitors of my mother, let us now enjoy our feast and have no brawling. For a pleasant thing it is to hear a bard like this, one who is like the gods in voice. But in the morning we will have a meeting of the assembly—let every man be there—and I shall tell you then in plainest terms to quit my halls. Seek other tables and eat what is your own, changing from house to house! Or if it seems to you more profitable and pleasant to spoil the substance of a single man without amends, go wasting on! But I will call upon the gods that live forever and pray that Zeus may grant me requital for your deeds. Then beyond all amends, here in this house you shall yourselves be spoiled.”

He spoke, and all with teeth set in their lips marveled because Telemachus had spoken boldly. Then said Antinouäs, Eupeithes’ son: “Telemachus, surely the gods themselves are training you to be a man of lofty tongue and a bold speaker. But may the son of Kronos never make you king in sea-encircled Ithaca, although it is by birth your heritage!”

Then answered him discreet Telemachus: “Antinouäs, will you feel offense at what I say? Willingly would I take the rule, if Zeus would grant it. Do you suppose a kingship is the worst fate in the world? Why, it is no bad thing to be a king! His house grows quickly rich and he himself receives more honor. Still, here in sea-encircled Ithaca are many other lords of the Achaeans, young and old, some one of whom may take the place, since royal Odysseus now is dead. But I myself will be the lord of our own house and of the slaves which royal Odysseus brought as prizes home.”

Then answered him Eurymachus, the son of Polybus: “Telemachus, in the gods’ lap it lies to say which one of the Achaeans shall be king in sea-encircled Ithaca. Your substance may you keep and of your house be lord; may the man never come who, heedless of your will, shall strip you of that substance while men shall dwell in Ithaca. But, good sir, I would ask about this stranger—whence the man comes, and of what land he calls himself. Where are his kinsmen and his native fields? Does he bring tidings of your father, or is he come with hope of his own gains? How hastily he went! Not waiting to be known! And yet he seemed no low-born fellow by the face.”

Then answered him discreet Telemachus: “Eurymachus, as for my father’s coming, that is at an end. Tidings I trust no more, let them come whence they may. Nor do I heed such divinations as my mother seeks, summoning a diviner to the hall. This stranger is my father’s friend, a man of Taphos; Mentes he calls himself,