Book I

his lofty chamber, in full view, Built high in that magnificent palace home, Telemachus went up, and sought his couch, Intent on many thoughts. The chaste and sage Dame Eurycleia by his side went up With lighted torches⁠—she a child of Ops, Pisenor’s son. Her, in her early bloom, Laertes purchased for a hundred beeves, And in his palace honored equally With his chaste wife; yet never sought her bed. He would not wrong his queen. ’Twas she who bore The torches with Telemachus. She loved Her young lord more than all the other maids, And she had nursed him in his tender years. He opened now the chamber door and sat Upon the couch, put his soft tunic off And placed it in the prudent matron’s hands. She folded it and smoothed it, hung it near To that fair bed, and, going quickly forth, Pulled at the silver ring to close the door, And drew the thong that moved the fastening bolt. He, lapped in the soft fleeces, all night long. Thought of the voyage Pallas had ordained.