my house contains The fairest and most precious. I present A goblet all of silver, save the lips, And they are bound with gold; it is the work Of Vulcan. Phaedimus the hero, king Of the Sidonians, gave it me when once His palace sheltered me. He gave it me At parting, and I now would have it thine.”
Atrides spake, and gave into his hands The double goblet. Megapenthes next Before him set the shining beaker wrought Of silver. Rosy Helen, holding up The robe, drew near, and spake to him and said:—
“I also bring to thee, dear son, a gift, The work of Helen’s hands, which thou shalt keep, In memory of her, until the day Of thy desired espousals, when thy bride Shall wear it. Let it in the meantime lie Within thy halls, in thy dear mother’s care; And mayst thou soon and happily arrive At thy fair palace and thy native coast.”
So spake she, placing in his hands the robe. He took it, and was glad. Peisistratus Was moved with wonder as he saw, and laid The presents in 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:—