Of others, whom we fitly might espouse.”
To this discreet Telemachus replied:— “Eurymachus, and ye, the illustrious train Of suitors, I have nothing more to ask— No more to say—for now the gods and all The Achaians know the truth. But let me have A gallant barque, and twenty men to make From coast to coast a voyage, visiting Sparta and sandy Pylos, to inquire For my long-absent father, and the chance Of his return, if any of mankind Can tell me aught, or if some rumor come From Jove, since thus are tidings often brought To human knowledge. Should I learn that yet He lives and may return, I then would wait A twelvemonth, though impatient. Should I hear That he no longer lives, I shall return Homeward, and pile his monument on high With funeral honors that become the dead, And give my mother to a second spouse.”
He spake and took his seat, and then arose Mentor, once comrade of the excellent chief Ulysses, who, departing with his fleet, Consigned his household to the aged man, That they should all obey him, and that he Should safely keep his charge. He rose amid The assembly, and addressed them wisely thus:—