bravest here Of all our people; and I saw embark, As their commander, Mentor, or some god Like Mentor altogether. One thing moves My wonder. Only yesterday, at dawn, I met with Mentor here, whom I before Had seen embarking for the Pylian coast.”
Noëmon spake, and to his father’s house Departed. Both were troubled at his words, And all the suitors took at once their seats, And ceased their pastimes. Then Antinoüs spake, Son of Eupeithes, greatly vexed; his heart Was darkened with blind rage; his eyes shot fire.
“Strange doings these! a great and proud exploit Performed—this voyage of Telemachus, Which we had called impossible! The boy, In spite of us, has had his will and gone, And carried off a ship, and for his crew Chosen the bravest of the people here. He yet will prove a pest. May Jupiter Crush him ere he can work us further harm! Now give me a swift barque and twenty men That I may lie in ambush and keep watch For his return within the straits between This isle and rugged Samos; then, I deem, He will have sought his father to his cost.”