Having summoned his crew, Telemachus was preparing to embark, when a man armed and equipped as a traveller approached the vessel, and inquired who he was and whither he was bound.  Having received an answer, he requested Telemachus to carry him to Ithaca.  “My name,” he said, “is Theoclymenus, and I am descended from Melampus, the famous seer, from whom I have inherited the prophetic gift.  I am an exile from my native land of Argos, for I have slain a man of my own tribe, and am flying from the avenger of blood.  Set me, I pray thee, on thy ship, and take me with you, for sore is my need.”

“Heaven forbid,” answered Telemachus, “that I should deny thee, seeing that thy very life is at stake.  Make haste, and come on board”; and he made room for the stranger to sit by him in the stern of the vessel.

After a quick and prosperous voyage they sighted the coast of Ithaca, and landed on a deserted part of the coast within easy reach of the swineherd’s dwelling.  Here Telemachus dismissed his company, bidding them take the galley round to the harbour of Ithaca, and promising to reward them for their good service.  He was just about to depart when Theoclymenus detained him and asked where he was to find shelter.  Telemachus answered in some embarrassment. “’Twere no friendly act,” he said, “to send thee to my house, for my mother lives apart in her own chamber and sees no man, and I fear lest thou suffer some harm from the lawless men who riot in my halls.  Therefore I advise thee to go to Eurymachus, who is now the most powerful man in Ithaca, and hopes to sit in my father’s seat; but perchance Zeus will send him another issue of his wooing.”

Just as he spoke a rushing of wings was heard on the right, and they saw a falcon passing close at hand with a dove clutched in his talons, and tearing his prey so that the feathers fluttered down at their feet.  Then Theoclymenus, who was deeply skilled in augury, drew Telemachus apart and said:  “It is a manifest sign of victory to thee and to thy house.”  “May Heaven fulfil thy prophecy,” answered Telemachus, “and if thy words prove true I will load thee with benefits, and give thee cause to bless this hour.”  Being now convinced that he had found a friend, he called Peiraeus, in whom he had full confidence, and bade him take Theoclymenus under his care until he himself returned to the town.  Peiraeus readily undertook the charge, and this point being settled they thrust out from the shore and rowed away in the direction of the harbour, while Telemachus strode off with rapid footsteps along the path which led to the swineherd’s hut.

II

On the evening before the arrival of Telemachus Odysseus was sitting after supper with Eumaeus and the other herdsmen, and wishing to learn the purpose of Eumaeus towards him he said:  “I will no longer be a burden to thee and thy fellows.  To-morrow I will go to the town and beg my living, if thou wilt send one of thy men to show me the way.  Perchance also I might visit the house of Odysseus, and have speech with Penelope.  And it may be that the wooers will take me into their service, for I would have thee know that by favour of Hermes I am right skilful of my hands, and no one can match me in laying a fire and cleaving dry logs, in carving and roasting meat, and in pouring of wine.”