Helen. When Telemachus Knew of the king’s approach, the hero threw In haste his tunic o’er his noble form, And over his broad shoulders flung a cloak Of ample folds. Then, going forth, the son Of great Ulysses met the king and said:—
“Atrides Menelaus, loved of Jove And sovereign of the people, send me hence, I pray, to the dear country of my birth, For earnestly I long to be at home.”
And Menelaus, great in war, replied: “Telemachus, I will not keep thee long, Since thou so much desirest to return. I am displeased with him who as a host Is lavish of his love, for he will hate Beyond due measure; best it is to take The middle way. It is alike a wrong To thrust the unwilling stranger out of doors, And to detain him when he longs to go. While he is with us we should cherish him, And, when he wishes, help him to depart. Remain until I bring thee worthy gifts And place them in thy chariot, that thine eyes May look on them; and I will give command That in the palace here the women spread A liberal feast from stores that lie within. But if, in turning from thy course, thou choose To pass through Hellas and the midland tract Of Argos, I will yoke my steeds and go With thee, and show the cities thronged with men; Nor will they send us empty-handed thence, But bring us gifts which we may bear away— Tripod, perchance, or cauldron wrought of brass, Perchance a pair of mules or golden cup.”
Then spake discreet Telemachus in turn: “Atrides Menelaus, loved of Jove And sovereign of the people, rather far Would I return to my own home; for there Is no man left in charge of what is mine, And I must go, lest, while I vainly seek My father, I may perish, or may lose Some valued treasure from my palace rooms.”
The valiant Menelaus heard, and bade His wife and maidens spread without delay A ready banquet from the stores within. Then Eteöneus