Ulysses Discovering Himself to Telemachus
Reception of Telemachus by Eumaeus, who is sent to inform Penelope of her son’s arrival—interview of Ulysses and Telemachus, in which, at the command of Pallas, Ulysses discovers himself—Return of the disappointed suitors from lying in wait for Telemachus.
Meantime Ulysses and that noble hind The swineherd, in the lodge, at early dawn, Lighted a fire, prepared a meal, and sent The herdsmen forth to drive the swine afield. The dogs, so apt to bark, came fawning round, And barked not as Telemachus drew near. Ulysses heard the sound of coming feet, And marked the crouching dogs, and suddenly Bespake Eumaeus thus with winged words:—
“Eumaeus, without doubt some friend of thine, Or someone known familiarly, is near. There is no barking of the dogs; they fawn Around him, and I hear the sound of feet.”
Scarce had he spoken, when within the porch Stood his dear son. The swineherd starting up, Surprised, let fall the vessels from his hands In which he mingled the rich wines, and flew To meet his master; kissed him on the brow; Kissed both his shining eyes and both his hands, With many tears. As when a father takes Into his arms a son whom tenderly He loves, returning from a distant land In the tenth year—his only son, the child Of his old age, for whom he long has borne Hardship and grief—so to Telemachus The swineherd clung, and kissed him o’er and o’er, As one escaped from death, and, shedding still Warm tears, bespake him thus with winged words:—
“Thou comest, O Telemachus! the light Is not more sweet to me. I never thought To see thee more when thou hadst once embarked For Pylos.