“Eumaeus, be thou ever dear to Jove As to myself, since with thy benefits Thou freely honorest such a one as I.”
And thou, Eumaeus, madest answer thus: “Eat, venerable stranger, and enjoy What is before us. At his pleasure God Gives or withholds; his power is over all.”
He spake, and burned to the eternal gods The firstlings, and poured out the dark red wine, And to Ulysses, spoiler of walled towns, Who sat beside the table, gave the cup. Meantime to each Mesaulius brought the bread— A servant whom Eumaeus, while his lord Was far away, had taken for himself, Without the order of Penelope Or old Laertes; from the Taphian tribe With his own goods he bought him. Now the guests Put forth their hands and shared the ready feast; And when their thirst and hunger were appeased Mesaulius took the bread away, and all, Satiate with food and wine, lay down to rest.
Then came the darkness on, without a moon; And Jupiter the whole night long sent down The rain, and strong the showery west-wind blew. And now to try the swineherd, if with all His kindly ministrations to his guest He yet would spare to him his cloak, or bid Another do the like, Ulysses spake:—
“Eumaeus, hearken thou, and all the rest, Thy comrades, while I utter boastful words. Wine makes me foolish, it can even cause The wise to