Learn, if by female fraud this deed were done,

Or (as my thought misgives) by Dolius’ son.”


While yet they spoke, in quest of arms again

To the high chamber stole the faithless swain,

Not unobserved. Eumaeus watchful eyed,

And thus address’d Ulysses near his side:


“The miscreant we suspected takes that way;

Him, if this arm be powerful, shall I slay?

Or drive him hither, to receive the meed

From thy own hand, of this detested deed?”


“Not so (replied Ulysses); leave him there,

For us sufficient is another care;

Within the structure of this palace wall

To keep enclosed his masters till they fall.

Go you, and seize the felon; backward bind

His arms and legs, and fix a plank behind:

On this his body by strong cords extend,

And on a column near the roof suspend:

So studied tortures his vile days shall end.”


The ready swains obey’d with joyful haste,

Behind the felon unperceived they pass’d,

As round the room in quest of arms he goes

(The half-shut door conceal’d his lurking foes):

One hand sustain’d a helm, and one the shield

Which old Laertes wont in youth to wield,

Cover’d with dust, with dryness chapp’d and worn,

The brass corroded, and the leather torn.

Thus laden, o’er the threshold as he stepp’d,

Fierce on the villain from each side they leap’d,

Back by the hair the trembling dastard drew,

And down reluctant on the pavement threw.

Active and pleased the zealous swains fulfil

At every point their master’s rigid will;

First, fast behind, his hands and feet they bound,

Then straighten’d cords involved his body round;

So drawn aloft, athwart the column tied,

The howling felon swung from side to side.


Eumaeus scoffing then with keen disdain:

“There pass thy pleasing night, O gentle swain!

On that soft pillow, from that envied height,

First may’st thou see the springing dawn of light;

So timely rise, when morning streaks the east,

To drive thy victims to the suitors’ feast.”