As thus he spake, a falcon on the right Flew by, Apollo’s messenger. A dove Was in his talons, which he tore, and poured The feathers down between Telemachus And where the galley lay. When this was seen By Theoclymenus, he called the youth Apart, alone, and took his hand and said:—
“The bird that passed us, O Telemachus, Upon the right, flew not without a god To guide him. When I saw it, well I knew The omen. Not in Ithaca exists A house of a more kingly destiny Than thine, and ever will its power prevail.”
And thus discreet Telemachus replied: “O stranger, may thy saying come to pass; Then shalt thou quickly know me for thy friend, And be rewarded with such liberal gifts That all who meet thee shall rejoice with thee.”
Then turning to Piraeus he bespake That faithful follower thus: “Piraeus, son Of Clytius, thou who ever wert the first To move, at my command, of all the men Who went with me to Pylos, take, I pray, This stranger to thy house, and there provide For him, and honor him until I come.”
Piraeus, mighty with the spear, replied: “Telemachus, however long thy stay, This man shall be my guest, nor ever lack Beneath my roof for hospitable care.”
He spake, and climbed the deck, and bade his men Enter the ship and cast the fastenings loose. Quickly they came together, went on board And manned the benches, while Telemachus Bound the fair sandals to his feet, and took His massive spear with its sharp blade of brass That lay upon the deck. The men unbound The hawsers, shoved the galley forth, and sailed Townward, as they were bidden by the son Of great Ulysses. Meantime the quick feet Of the young chieftain bore him on until He reached the lodge where his great herds of swine Were fed, and, careful of his master’s wealth, Beside his charge the worthy swineherd slept.