will withdraw To their own homes, but at their ease devour His substance with large waste, and never spare. Of all the days and nights which Jupiter Gives to mankind is none when they require A single victim only, or but two, For sacrifice, and lavishly they drain His wine-jars.
Once large revenues were his. No hero on the dark-soiled continent Nor in the isle of Ithaca possessed Such wealth as he, nor even twenty men Together. Hear me while I give the amount. Twelve herds of kine that on the mainland graze Are his, as many flocks of sheep, of swine As many droves; as many flocks of goats Are tended there by strangers, and by hinds, His servants. Here moreover, in the fields Beyond us, graze eleven numerous flocks Of goats, attended by his trusty men, Each one of whom brings daily home a goat, The finest of the fatlings. I meantime Am keeper of these swine, and from the drove I choose and to the palace send the best.”
So spake the swineherd, while Ulysses ate The flesh with eager appetite, and drank The wine in silence, meditating woe To all the suitors. When the meal was o’er, And he was strengthened by the food, his host Filled up with wine the cup from which he drank. And gave it to Ulysses, who, well pleased, Received it, and with winged words replied:—
“What rich and mighty chief was he, my friend, Of whom thou speakest, and who purchased thee?
Thou sayest that he died to swell the fame Of Agamemnon. Tell his name, for I Perchance know somewhat of him.
Jupiter And the great gods know whether I have seen The man, and have some tidings for thy ear; For I have wandered over many lands.”
And then again the noble swineherd spake: