But they—the hero-youth Telemachus And Nestor’s eminent son—were at the gate, And standing in the entrance with their steeds. The worthy Eteoneus, coming forth— The trusty servant of the glorious son Of Atreus—saw, and hastening thence to tell The shepherd of the people, through the hall He came to him, and spake these winged words:—
“O Menelaus, foster-child of Jove, Two strangers have arrived, two men who seem Descended from almighty Jupiter. Shall we then loose the harness from their steeds, Or bid them elsewhere seek a friendly host?”
The fair-haired king indignantly replied:— “Nay, Eteoneus, thou hast not been wont. Son of Boëthus, thus to play the fool. Thou pratest idly, like a child. Ourselves Have sat, as guests, at generous banquets given By other men, when journeying hitherward In hope that Jove might grant a respite here From our disasters. Hasten, then, to loose The steeds, and bring the strangers to the feast.”
He spake; the attendant hastened forth and called The other trusty servitors, with charge To follow. They unyoked the sweaty steeds, And bound them to the stalls, and gave them oats, With which they mingled the white barley-grains, And close against the shining wall they placed The car, and then they led the guests within The sumptuous palace. Entering, these admired The palace of the foster-child of Jove, For like the splendor of the sun and moon Its glory was. They with delighted eyes Gazed, and, descending to the polished baths, They bathed. The attendant maids who at the bath Had ministered, anointing them with oil, Arrayed the stranger guests in fleecy cloaks And tunics. Each sat down upon a throne Near to Atrides. Now a handmaid brought A beautiful ewer of gold, and laver wrought Of silver, and poured water for their hands, And spread a polished table near their seat; The reverend matron of the household came With bread, and set before them many a dish Gathered from all the feast. The carver next Brought chargers lifted high, and in them meats Of every flavor, and before them placed Beakers