He spake, nor flew his words unheeded by. The princess bathed, and put fresh garments on, And vowed to all the gods a sacrifice Of chosen hecatombs when Jupiter Should punish the wrongdoers.
While she prayed, Telemachus went forth, his spear in hand. Two fleet dogs followed him. Minerva shed A godlike beauty o’er his form and face, And all the people wondered as he came.
The suitors thronged around him with smooth words, Yet plotting mischief in their hearts. He turned From their assembly hastily, and took His place where Mentor sat with Antiphus, And Halitherses—all his father’s friends And his from the beginning.
While they asked Of all that he had seen, Piraeus came, The famous spearman, bringing through the town The stranger with him to the marketplace. Nor long Telemachus delayed, but came To meet his guest, and then Piraeus said:—
“Telemachus, despatch to where I dwell Thy serving-women; I would send to thee, At once, the gifts which Menelaus gave.”
And then discreet Telemachus replied:
“We know not yet, Piraeus, what may be The event; and if the suitors privily Should slay me in the palace, and divide The inheritance among them, I prefer That thou, instead of them, shouldst have the gifts; But should they meet the fate which I have planned, And be cut off, then shalt thou gladly bring The treasures, which I gladly will receive.”
So spake the prince, and to the palace led The unhappy man, his guest. When now they reached The stately pile, they both laid down their cloaks Upon the benches, and betook themselves To the well-polished baths. The attendant maids There ministered and smoothed their limbs