With copious streams the shining vase supplies

A silver layer of capacious size.

They wash. The tables in fair order spread,

The glittering canisters are crown’d with bread;

Viands of various kinds allure the taste,

Of choicest sort and savour; rich repast!

Whilst Eteoneus portions out the shares

Atrides’ son the purple draught prepares,

And now (each sated with the genial feast,

And the short rage of thirst and hunger ceased)

Ulysses’ son, with his illustrious friend,

The horses join, the polish’d car ascend,

Along the court the fiery steeds rebound,

And the wide portal echoes to the sound.

The king precedes; a bowl with fragrant wine

(Libation destined to the powers divine)

His right hand held: before the steed he stands,

Then, mix’d with prayers, he utters these commands:


“Farewell, and prosper, youths! let Nestor know

What grateful thoughts still in this bosom glow,

For all the proofs of his paternal care,

Through the long dangers of the ten years’ war.”

“Ah! doubt not our report (the prince rejoin’d)

Of all the virtues of thy generous mind.

And oh! return’d might we Ulysses meet!

To him thy presents show, thy words repeat:

How will each speech his grateful wonder raise!

How will each gift indulge us in thy praise!”


Scarce ended thus the prince, when on the right

Advanced the bird of Jove: auspicious sight!

A milk-white fowl his clinching talons bore,

With care domestic pampered at the floor.

Peasants in vain with threatening cries pursue,

In solemn speed the bird majestic flew

Full dexter to the car; the prosperous sight

Fill’d every breast with wonder and delight.


But Nestor’s son the cheerful silence broke,

And in these words the Spartan chief bespoke:

“Say if to us the gods these omens send,

Or fates peculiar to thyself portend?”


Whilst yet the monarch paused, with doubts oppress’d

The beauteous queen relieved his labouring breast: