Then spake discreet Penelope again: “Whoe’er may be the stranger, not unwise He seems; for nowhere among men are done Such deeds of wrong and outrage as by these.”
She spake, and the good swineherd, having told The lady all, went forth among the crowd Of suitors, drawing near Telemachus, And bowed his head beside him that none else Might hear, and said to him in winged words:—
“I go, my friend, to tend the swine and guard What there thou hast, thy sustenance and mine. The charge of what is here belongs to thee. Be thy first care to save thyself, and watch To see that mischief overtake thee not— For many are the Achaians plotting it, Whom Jove destroy ere we become their prey!”
Then spake discreet Telemachus in turn: “So be it, father, and, when thou hast supped, Depart, but with the morning come, and bring Choice victims for the sacrifice. The care Of all things here is with the gods and me.”
He spake; the swineherd sat him down again Upon his polished seat, and satisfied His appetite and thirst with food and wine. Then he departed to his herd, and left The palace and the court before it thronged With revellers, who gave the hour to song, And joined the dance; for evening now was come.