Ulysses, the sagacious, spake again: “Within thy bosom thou dost bear a heart Of slow belief, since not the oath I take Persuades or even moves thee. Make we now A covenant, and let the gods who dwell Upon Olympus be our witnesses, That when thy master comes to this abode Thou wilt bestow a tunic and a cloak, And wilt despatch me clothed in seemly garb Hence to Dulichium, whither I would go. But if he come not as I have foretold, Then charge thy servants that they cast me down From a tall rock, that never beggar more May think to cozen thee with lying tales.”
The noble swineherd answered him and said: “Great would my honor be, and I should gain Great praise for worth among the sons of men, If, having welcomed thee into my lodge And spread the board for thee, I took thy life; Then boldly might I pray to Saturn’s son. But see, the supper hour is come, and soon Will my companions be within, and they Will make a liberal banquet ready here.”
Thus did the twain confer. Now came the swine, And those who tended them. They penned the herd In their enclosure, and a din of cries Rose as they entered. Then the swineherd called To his companions: “Bring the best of all, And we will make an offering for the sake Of one who comes from far and is my guest. And we will also feast, for