Meeting of Ulysses and Eumaeus
Hospitable reception by Eumaeus of Ulysses in the disguise of a beggar—His feigned account of himself—His promise that Ulysses shall return—Supper in the lodge of Eumaeus—Stratagem of Ulysses to procure a cloak for the night.
Then from the haven up the rugged path Ulysses went among the woody heights. He sought the spot where Pallas bade him meet The noble swineherd, who of all that served The great Ulysses chiefly had in charge To bring the day’s supplies. He found him there Seated beneath the portico, before His airy lodge, that might be seen from far, Well built and spacious, standing by itself. Eumaeus, while his lord was far away, Had built it, though not bidden by the queen Nor old Laertes, with the stones he drew From quarries thither. Round it he had set A hedge of thorns, encircling these with stakes Close set and many, cloven from the heart Of oak. Within that circuit he had made Twelve sties, beside each other, for the swine To lie in. Fifty wallowed in each sty, All females; there they littered. But the males Were fewer, and were kept without; and these The suitor train made fewer every day, Feeding upon them, for Eumaeus sent Always the best of all his fatling herd. These numbered twice nine score. Beside them slept Four mastiffs, which the master swineherd fed, Savage as wolves. Eumaeus to his feet Was fitting sandals, which he carved and shaped From a stained ox-hide, while the other hinds Were gone on different errands—three to drive The herds of swine—a fourth was sent to take A fatling to the city, that the crew Of arrogant suitors, having offered him In sacrifice, might feast upon his flesh.