wish, I then Would first desire my father’s safe return. But thou, when thou hast given thy message, haste Hither again, nor wander through the fields To him; but let my mother send at once The matron of her household, privately, To bear the tidings to the aged
He spake to speed the swineherd, who took up His sandals, bound them on, and bent his way Townward. Not unperceived by Pallas went Eumaeus from the lodge. She came in shape A woman beautiful and stately, skilled In household arts, the noblest. Near the gate She stood, right opposite. Ulysses saw; Telemachus beheld her not; the gods Not always manifest themselves to all. Ulysses and the mastiffs saw; the dogs Barked not, but, whimpering, fled from her and sought The stalls within. She beckoned with her brows; Ulysses knew her meaning and came forth, And passed the great wall of the court, and there Stood near to Pallas, who bespake him thus:—
“Son of Laertes, nobly born and wise, Speak with thy son; conceal from him the truth No longer, that, prepared to make an end Of that vile suitor-crew, ye may go up Into the royal town. Nor long will I Be absent; I am ready for the assault.”
Thus spake the goddess. Putting forth a wand Of gold, she touched the chief. Beneath that touch His breast was covered with a new-blanched robe And tunic. To his frame it gave new strength; His swarthy color came again, his cheeks Grew full, and the beard darkened on his chin. This done, she disappeared. Ulysses came Into the lodge again; his son beheld Amazed and overawed, and turned his eyes Away, as if in presence of a god, And thus bespake the chief with winged words:—
“O stranger, thou art other than thou wert; Thy garb is not the same, nor are thy looks; Thou surely art some deity of those Whose habitation is the ample heaven.
Be gracious to us, let us bring to thee Such sacrifices as thou wilt accept And gifts of graven gold; be merciful.”