A pointed javelin, and a fenceful shield.

But by my blood that in thy bosom glows,

By that regard a son his father owes;

The secret, that thy father lives, retain

Lock’d in thy bosom from the household train;

Hide it from all; e’en from Eumaeus hide,

From my dear father, and my dearer bride.

One care remains, to note the loyal few

Whose faith yet lasts among the menial crew;

And noting, ere we rise in vengeance, prove

Who love his prince; for sure you merit love.”


To whom the youth: “To emulate, I aim,

The brave and wise, and my great father’s fame.

But reconsider, since the wisest err,

Vengeance resolved, ’tis dangerous to defer.

What length of time must we consume in vain,

Too curious to explore the menial train!

While the proud foes, industrious to destroy

Thy wealth, in riot the delay enjoy.

Suffice it in this exigence alone

To mark the damsels that attend the throne:

Dispersed the youth reside; their faith to prove

Jove grants henceforth, if thou hast spoke from Jove.”


While in debate they waste the hours away,

The associates of the prince repass’d the bay:

With speed they guide the vessel to the shores;

With speed debarking land the naval stores:

Then, faithful to their charge, to Clytius bear,

And trust the presents to his friendly care.

Swift to the queen a herald flies to impart

Her son’s return, and ease a parent’s heart:

Lest a sad prey to ever-musing cares,

Pale grief destroy what time awhile forbears.

The incautious herald with impatience burns,

And cries aloud, “Thy son, O queen, returns;”

Eumaeus sage approach’d the imperial throne,

And breathed his mandate to her ear alone,

Then measured back the way. The suitor band,

Stung to the soul, abash’d, confounded, stand;

And issuing from the dome, before the gate,

With clouded looks, a pale assembly sate.


At length Eurymachus: “Our hopes are vain;

Telemachus in triumph sails the main.