the car. The fair-haired king Then led them to the hall, and seated them On thrones and couches, where a maiden brought Water in a fair golden ewer, and o’er A silver basin poured it for their hands, And near them set a table smoothly wrought. The matron of the palace brought them bread And many a delicate dish to please the taste From stores within the house. Then to the board Boëtheus’ son drew near and carved the meats, And gave to each a portion, while the son Of glorious Menelaus poured the wine. The guests put forth their hands and shared the food That lay prepared before them. When the calls Of thirst and hunger ceased, Telemachus And Nestor’s famous son brought forth and yoked The steeds, and climbed into the sumptuous car, And drove from out the echoing portico. Atrides Menelaus, amber-haired, Went forth with them, and, holding in his hand A golden cup of generous wine, poured out An offering for their voyage to the gods. Before the steeds he took his stand, and first Drank from the cup, and then bespake the guests:—
“Now fare ye well, young men, and when ye come To Nestor, shepherd of the people, give Greetings from me; for he was kind to me As if he were a father, when the sons Of Greece were warring in the realm of Troy.”
Then spake in turn discreet Telemachus: “Assuredly I shall relate to him, As soon as I am with him, all that thou, foster-child of Jove, hast bid me say; And would to heaven I might as surely tell Ulysses in his palace, when again I come to Ithaca, how welcome thou Hast made me here, and how I came away With treasures rich and many from thy court.”
As thus he spake, an eagle to the right Appeared, that, flying, bore a large white goose, Clutched from the tame flock in the palace court; And men and women ran the way he flew, And shouted after him. Before the steeds Of the young men, and still on the right hand, The bird went sweeping on. They saw well pleased, And every heart was gladdened. To the rest Peisistratus, the son of Nestor, said:—