Book XI

Gave her to Nestor, chosen from the rest For him, as wisest of their counsellors. First she drew forth a table fairly wrought, Of polished surface, and with steel-blue feet, And on it placed a brazen tray which bore A thirst-provoking onion, honeycomb, And sacred meal of wheat. Near these she set A noble beaker which the ancient chief Had brought from home, embossed with studs of gold. Four were its handles, and each handle showed Two golden turtles feeding, while below Two others formed the base. Another hand Could scarce have raised that beaker from its place, But Nestor lifted it with ease. The maid, Fair as a goddess, mingled Pramnian wine, And grated o’er it, with a rasp of brass, A goat’s-milk cheese, and, sprinkling the white flour Upon it, bade them drink. With this they quenched Their parching thirst, and then amused the time With pleasant talk. Patroclus to the door Meantime, a godlike presence, came, and stood. The old man, as he saw him, instantly Rose from his princely seat and seized his hand, And led him in and bade him sit; but he Refused the proffered courtesy, and said:⁠—