“I did not think of asking about that,” replied Eumaeus, “when I was in the town.  I thought I would give my message and come back as soon as I could.  I met a man sent by those who had gone with you to Pylos, and he was the first to tell the news to your mother, but I can say what I saw with my own eyes; I had just got on to the crest of the hill of Mercury above the town when I saw a ship coming into harbour with a number of men in her.  They had many shields and spears, and I thought it was the suitors, but I cannot be sure.”

On hearing this Telemachus smiled to his father, but so that Eumaeus could not see him.

Then, when they had finished their work and the meal was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share so that all were satisfied.  As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, they laid down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep.

Book XVII

Telemachus and his mother meet—­Ulysses and Eumaeus come down to
the town, and Ulysses is insulted by Melanthius—­he is
recognised by the dog Argos—­he is insulted and presently struck
by Antinous with A stool—­Penelope desires that he shall be sent
to her.

When the child of morning, rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared, Telemachus bound on his sandals and took a strong spear that suited his hands, for he wanted to go into the city.  “Old friend,” said he to the swineherd, “I will now go to the town and show myself to my mother, for she will never leave off grieving till she has seen me.  As for this unfortunate stranger, take him to the town and let him beg there of any one who will give him a drink and a piece of bread.  I have trouble enough of my own, and cannot be burdened with other people.  If this makes him angry so much the worse for him, but I like to say what I mean.”

Then Ulysses said, “Sir, I do not want to stay here; a beggar can always do better in town than country, for any one who likes can give him something.  I am too old to care about remaining here at the beck and call of a master.  Therefore let this man do as you have just told him, and take me to the town as soon as I have had a warm by the fire, and the day has got a little heat in it.  My clothes are wretchedly thin, and this frosty morning I shall be perished with cold, for you say the city is some way off.”

On this Telemachus strode off through the yards, brooding his revenge upon the suitors.  When he reached home he stood his spear against a bearing-post of the cloister, crossed the stone floor of the cloister itself, and went inside.