Book XV. Meantime Minerva, hastening to Sparta, awakens in the heart of the sleeping Telemachus a keen desire to return home, warns him of the suitors’ ambush, instructs him how to avoid it, and cautions him on his return to trust none save the women on whose fidelity he can depend.  At dawn, therefore, Telemachus, after offering a sacrifice and receiving Menelaus’ and Helen’s parting gifts, sets out, cheered by favorable omens.  Without pausing to visit Nestor,—­whose son is to convey his thanks,—­Telemachus embarks, and, following Minerva’s instructions, lands near the swineherd’s hut.

Book XVI. The swineherd is preparing breakfast, when Ulysses warns him a friend is coming, for his dogs fawn upon the stranger and do not bark.  A moment later Telemachus enters the hut, and is warmly welcomed by his servant, who wishes him to occupy the place of honor at his table.  But Telemachus modestly declines it in favor of the aged stranger, to whom he promises clothes and protection as soon as he is master in his own house.  Then he bids the swineherd notify his mother of his safe arrival, directing her to send word to Laertes of his return.  This man has no sooner gone than Minerva restores Ulysses to more than his wonted vigor and good looks, bidding him make himself known to his son and concert with him how to dispose of the suitors.  Amazed to see the beggar transformed into an imposing warrior, Telemachus is overjoyed to learn who he really is.  The first transports of joy over, Ulysses advises his son to return home, lull the suitors’ suspicions by specious words, and, after removing all weapons from the banquet hall, await the arrival of his father who will appear in mendicant’s guise.

While father and son are thus laying their plans, Telemachus’ vessel reaches port, where the suitors mourn the escape of their victim.  They dare not, however, attack Telemachus openly, for fear of forfeiting Penelope’s regard, and assure her they intend to befriend him.  Meantime, having delivered his message to his mistress, the swineherd returns to his hut, where he spends the evening with Telemachus and the beggar, little suspecting the latter is his master.

Book XVII. At daybreak Telemachus hastens back to the palace, whither the swineherd is to guide the stranger later in the day, and is rapturously embraced by his mother.  After a brief interview, Telemachus sends her back to her apartment to efface the trace of her tears, adding that he is on his way to the market-place to meet a travelling companion whom he wishes to entertain.  After welcoming this man with due hospitality, Telemachus gives his mother an account of his trip.  While he is thus occupied, Ulysses is wending his way to the palace, where he arrives just as the suitors’ wonted revels reach their height.  But as he enters the court-yard, his favorite hunting dog expires for joy on recognizing him.