Book XIX

He spake; she took a shining vase designed For washing feet, and poured cold water in In large abundance, and warm water next. Ulysses, who had sat before the hearth, Moved to a darker spot, for in his mind The thought arose that she might find a scar Upon his limbs in handling them, and thus His secret would be known. She came and bathed His feet, and found the scar. ’Twas where a boar With his white tooth had gashed the limb, as once He journeyed to Parnassus, where he paid A visit to Autolycus and his sons, His mother’s noble father, who excelled All men in craft and oaths, such was the gift Conferred on him by Hermes; for to him Autolycus made grateful offerings, The thighs of lambs and kids, and evermore The god was with him. Once Autolycus Came to the opulent realm of Ithaca, And found his