The Whole Works of Homer Prince of Poetts: In his Iliads, and Odysses. Translated according to the Greeke. By Geo: Chapman |
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 | The Whole Works of Homer |  |
Bvt he, the rough way tooke from forth the Port,
Through woods, and hill tops, seeking the resort
Where Pallas said, diuine Eumæus liu'd:
Who, of the fortunes that were first atchieu'd
By God-like Ithacus, in household rights,
Had more true care then all his Prosylites.
He found him sitting in his Cottage dore;
VVhere he had rais'd to euery ayry Blore,
A Front of great height; and in such a place,
That round ye might behold: of circular grace
A walke so wound about it: which the Swain
(In absence of his farre-gone Soueraine)
Had built himselfe, without his Queenes supply,
Or old Laertes; to see safely lye
His housed herd. The inner part, he wrought
Of stones, that thither his owne labors brought;
Which with an hedge of Thorn he fenc't about,
And compast all the hedge, with pales cleft out
Of sable Oake; that here and there he fixt
Frequent and thicke. VVithin his yard, he mixt
Twelue Sties to lodge his Heard; and euery Sty
Had roome and vse, for fifty Swine to lye.
But those were females all. The male Swine slept
VVithout doores euer. Nor was their Herd kept
Faire like the Females, since they suffer'd still
Great diminution: he being forc't to kill
And send the fattest to the dainty Feasts,
Affected by th' vngodly wooing guests.
Their number therefore, but three hundred were,
And sixty: By them, Mastiues as austere
As sauage beasts, lay euer. Their fierce straine
Bred by the Herdsman; a meere Prince of Men:
Their number, foure. Himselfe was then appli'de
In cutting forth a faire-hew'd Oxes hide,
To fit his feete with shooes. His seruants held
Guard of his Swine. Three, here and there, at field;
The fourth, he sent to City with a Sow,
VVhich must of force be offer'd to the Vow,
The VVoowers made to all society:
To serue which, still they did those Offrings ply.
The Fate-borne-Dogs-to-Barke, tooke sodaine view
Of Odyssaus; and vpon him flew
VVith open mouth. He (cunning, to appall
A fierce Dogs fury) from his hand let fall
His staffe to earth; and sat him carelesse downe.
And yet to him had one foule wrong bene showne
VVhere most his Right lay; had not instantly
The Herdsman let his hide fall; and his cry
(VVith frequent stones, flung at the dogges) repeld
This way, and that, their eager course they held:
VVhen through the entry past, he thus did mourne.
Through woods, and hill tops, seeking the resort
Where Pallas said, diuine Eumæus liu'd:
Who, of the fortunes that were first atchieu'd
By God-like Ithacus, in household rights,
Had more true care then all his Prosylites.
He found him sitting in his Cottage dore;
VVhere he had rais'd to euery ayry Blore,
A Front of great height; and in such a place,
That round ye might behold: of circular grace
A walke so wound about it: which the Swain
(In absence of his farre-gone Soueraine)
Had built himselfe, without his Queenes supply,
Or old Laertes; to see safely lye
His housed herd. The inner part, he wrought
Of stones, that thither his owne labors brought;
Which with an hedge of Thorn he fenc't about,
And compast all the hedge, with pales cleft out
Of sable Oake; that here and there he fixt
Frequent and thicke. VVithin his yard, he mixt
Twelue Sties to lodge his Heard; and euery Sty
Had roome and vse, for fifty Swine to lye.
But those were females all. The male Swine slept
VVithout doores euer. Nor was their Herd kept
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Great diminution: he being forc't to kill
And send the fattest to the dainty Feasts,
Affected by th' vngodly wooing guests.
Their number therefore, but three hundred were,
And sixty: By them, Mastiues as austere
As sauage beasts, lay euer. Their fierce straine
Bred by the Herdsman; a meere Prince of Men:
Their number, foure. Himselfe was then appli'de
In cutting forth a faire-hew'd Oxes hide,
To fit his feete with shooes. His seruants held
Guard of his Swine. Three, here and there, at field;
The fourth, he sent to City with a Sow,
VVhich must of force be offer'd to the Vow,
The VVoowers made to all society:
To serue which, still they did those Offrings ply.
The Fate-borne-Dogs-to-Barke, tooke sodaine view
Of Odyssaus; and vpon him flew
VVith open mouth. He (cunning, to appall
A fierce Dogs fury) from his hand let fall
His staffe to earth; and sat him carelesse downe.
And yet to him had one foule wrong bene showne
VVhere most his Right lay; had not instantly
The Herdsman let his hide fall; and his cry
(VVith frequent stones, flung at the dogges) repeld
This way, and that, their eager course they held:
VVhen through the entry past, he thus did mourne.
O Father! How soone, had you neere bene torne
By these rude Dogges? whose hurt had branded me
VVith much neglect of you? But Deity
Hath giuen so many other sighes, and cares
To my attendant state: that well vnwares
You might be hurt for me: for heere I lie
Grieuing and mourning for the Maiestie
That God-like wonted to be ruling heere;
Since now, I fat his Swine, for others cheere:
VVhere he, perhaps, err's hungry vp and downe,
In Countries, Nations, Cities, all vnknowne.
If any where he liues yet; and doth see
The Sunnes sweet beames. But (Father) follow mee,
That (cheer'd with wine and foode) you may disclose
From whence you truly are; and all the woes
Your age is subiect to. This said, he led
Into his Cottage; and of Osiers, spred
A thickned hurdle; on whose top, he strow'd
A wilde Goats shaggy skin; and then bestow'd
His owne Couch on it, that was soft and great.
By these rude Dogges? whose hurt had branded me
VVith much neglect of you? But Deity
Hath giuen so many other sighes, and cares
To my attendant state: that well vnwares
You might be hurt for me: for heere I lie
Grieuing and mourning for the Maiestie
That God-like wonted to be ruling heere;
Since now, I fat his Swine, for others cheere:
VVhere he, perhaps, err's hungry vp and downe,
In Countries, Nations, Cities, all vnknowne.
If any where he liues yet; and doth see
The Sunnes sweet beames. But (Father) follow mee,
That (cheer'd with wine and foode) you may disclose
From whence you truly are; and all the woes
Your age is subiect to. This said, he led
Into his Cottage; and of Osiers, spred
A thickned hurdle; on whose top, he strow'd
A wilde Goats shaggy skin; and then bestow'd
His owne Couch on it, that was soft and great.
Vlysses ioy'd, to see him so entreat
His vncouth Presence; saying, Ioue requite,
And all th' immortall Gods, with that delight
Thou most defir'st, thy kinde receite of me;
O Friend, to humane Hospitality.
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And all th' immortall Gods, with that delight
Thou most defir'st, thy kinde receite of me;
O Friend, to humane Hospitality.
Eumæus answer'd: Guest? If one much worse
Arriu'd here then thy selfe; it were a curse
To my poore meanes, to let a Stranger tast
Contempt, for fit food. Poore men, and vnplac'st
In free seats of their owne; are all from Ioue
Commended to our entertaining Loue.
But poore is th' entertainment I can giue;
Yet free, and louing. Of such men as liue
The liues of seruants, and are still in feare
Where yong Lords gouerne; this is all the cheare
They can affoord a Stranger. There was One
That vsde to manage, this now desart Throne:
To whom the Gods deny returne; that show'd
His curious fauour to me, and bestow'd
Possessions on me: A most wished wife,
A house, and portion; and a Seruants life,
Fit for the gift a gracious King should giue:
VVho still tooke pains himselfe; & God made thriue
His personall endeuour: and to me,
His worke the more increast; in which you see
I now am conuersant. And therefore much
His hand had help't me, had heauens wil beene such,
He might haue heere growne old. But he is gone,
And would to God the whole succession
Of Hellen might go with him; since for her
So many men di'de: whose Fate did confer
My Liege to Troy, in Agamemnons grace;
To spoile her People, and her Turrets race.
Arriu'd here then thy selfe; it were a curse
To my poore meanes, to let a Stranger tast
Contempt, for fit food. Poore men, and vnplac'st
In free seats of their owne; are all from Ioue
Commended to our entertaining Loue.
But poore is th' entertainment I can giue;
Yet free, and louing. Of such men as liue
The liues of seruants, and are still in feare
Where yong Lords gouerne; this is all the cheare
They can affoord a Stranger. There was One
That vsde to manage, this now desart Throne:
To whom the Gods deny returne; that show'd
His curious fauour to me, and bestow'd
Possessions on me: A most wished wife,
A house, and portion; and a Seruants life,
Fit for the gift a gracious King should giue:
VVho still tooke pains himselfe; & God made thriue
His personall endeuour: and to me,
His worke the more increast; in which you see
I now am conuersant. And therefore much
His hand had help't me, had heauens wil beene such,
He might haue heere growne old. But he is gone,
And would to God the whole succession
Of Hellen might go with him; since for her
So many men di'de: whose Fate did confer
My Liege to Troy, in Agamemnons grace;
To spoile her People, and her Turrets race.
This said, his coate to him, he streight did gird;
And to his Sties went, that contain'd his Herd.
From whence, he tooke out two, slew both, and out
Both fairely vp. A fire enflam'd, and put
To spit the ioynts; which roasted well, he set
VVith spit and all to him, that he might eat
From thence his food, in all the sindging heat.
Yet dreg'd it first with Flowre: Then fil'd his Cup
VVith good sweet wine; Sate then, & cheard him vp.
Eate now (my guest) such leane Swine, as are meate
For vs poore Swaines: The fat, the wooers eate.
In whose minds, no shame, no remorse doth moue:
Though well they know, the blest Gods doe not loue
Vngodly actions; but respect the right,
And in the workes of pious men, delight.
But these are worse then impious; for those
That vow t'iniustice, and professe them foes
To other Nations, enter on their Land;
And Iupiter (to shew his punishing hand
Vpon th' inuaded, for their pennance then)
Giues fauour to their foes (though wicked men)
To make their prey on them; who, hauing freight
Their ships with spoile enough, weigh ancor streight;
And each man to his house; (and yet euen these,
Doth powrefull feare, of Gods iust vengeance seize
Euen for that prize, in which they so reioyce)
But these men, knowing (hauing heard the voyce
Of God, by some meanes) that sad Death hath rest
The Ruler heere; will neuer suffer left
Their vniust wooing of his wife, nor take
Her often answere: and their owne Roofes make
Their fir retreats: But (since vncheck't, they may)
They therefore wil, make still his goods their pray,
Without all spare, or end. There is no day,
Nor night sent out from God, that euer they
Prophane with one beasts blood, or onely two,
But more make spoile of: and the wrongs they do
In meates excesse; to Wine as well extend;
VVhich as excessiuely, their ryots spend:
Yet still leaue store. For sure his meanes were great;
And no Heroe, that hath choisest seate
Vpon the fruitfull neighbour Continent;
Or in this Isle it selfe, so opulent
Was, as Vlysses: No, nor twenty such
Put altogether, did possesse so much.
And to his Sties went, that contain'd his Herd.
From whence, he tooke out two, slew both, and out
Both fairely vp. A fire enflam'd, and put
To spit the ioynts; which roasted well, he set
VVith spit and all to him, that he might eat
From thence his food, in all the sindging heat.
Yet dreg'd it first with Flowre: Then fil'd his Cup
VVith good sweet wine; Sate then, & cheard him vp.
Eate now (my guest) such leane Swine, as are meate
For vs poore Swaines: The fat, the wooers eate.
In whose minds, no shame, no remorse doth moue:
Though well they know, the blest Gods doe not loue
Vngodly actions; but respect the right,
And in the workes of pious men, delight.
But these are worse then impious; for those
213
To other Nations, enter on their Land;
And Iupiter (to shew his punishing hand
Vpon th' inuaded, for their pennance then)
Giues fauour to their foes (though wicked men)
To make their prey on them; who, hauing freight
Their ships with spoile enough, weigh ancor streight;
And each man to his house; (and yet euen these,
Doth powrefull feare, of Gods iust vengeance seize
Euen for that prize, in which they so reioyce)
But these men, knowing (hauing heard the voyce
Of God, by some meanes) that sad Death hath rest
The Ruler heere; will neuer suffer left
Their vniust wooing of his wife, nor take
Her often answere: and their owne Roofes make
Their fir retreats: But (since vncheck't, they may)
They therefore wil, make still his goods their pray,
Without all spare, or end. There is no day,
Nor night sent out from God, that euer they
Prophane with one beasts blood, or onely two,
But more make spoile of: and the wrongs they do
In meates excesse; to Wine as well extend;
VVhich as excessiuely, their ryots spend:
Yet still leaue store. For sure his meanes were great;
And no Heroe, that hath choisest seate
Vpon the fruitfull neighbour Continent;
Or in this Isle it selfe, so opulent
Was, as Vlysses: No, nor twenty such
Put altogether, did possesse so much.
VVhose Herds and Flockes Ile tell to euery Head:
Vpon the Continent, he daily fed
Twelue Herds of Oxen; No lesse, Flockes of Sheepe;
As many Herds of Swine. Stals, large and steepe,
And equall sort of Goats: which Tenants there,
And his owne Sheepherds kept. Then fed he here,
Eleuen faire stalles of Goats; whose food hath yeilde
In the extreame part of a neighbor Field.
Each Stall, his Herdsman hath: An honest Swaine,
Yet euery one, must euery day sustaine
The load of one Beast, (the most fat, and best
Of all the Stall-fed) to the VVoers Feast.
And I (for my part) of the Swine I keepe
(VVith foure more Herdsmen) euery day, help steep
The VVooers appetites, in blood of one,
The most select, our choise can fall vpon.
Vpon the Continent, he daily fed
Twelue Herds of Oxen; No lesse, Flockes of Sheepe;
As many Herds of Swine. Stals, large and steepe,
And equall sort of Goats: which Tenants there,
And his owne Sheepherds kept. Then fed he here,
Eleuen faire stalles of Goats; whose food hath yeilde
In the extreame part of a neighbor Field.
Each Stall, his Herdsman hath: An honest Swaine,
Yet euery one, must euery day sustaine
The load of one Beast, (the most fat, and best
Of all the Stall-fed) to the VVoers Feast.
And I (for my part) of the Swine I keepe
(VVith foure more Herdsmen) euery day, help steep
The VVooers appetites, in blood of one,
The most select, our choise can fall vpon.
To this; Vlysses gaue good eare, and fed;
And drunke his wine; and vext; and rauished
His food for meere vexation. Seeds of ill
His Stomacke sow'd, to heare his goods go still
Yo glut of wooers. But his dinner done,
And Stomacke fed to satisfaction:
He drunke a full Bowle, all of onely wine,
And gaue it to the Guardian of his Swine:
Who tooke it, and reioyc't. To whom he said;
And drunke his wine; and vext; and rauished
His food for meere vexation. Seeds of ill
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Yo glut of wooers. But his dinner done,
And Stomacke fed to satisfaction:
He drunke a full Bowle, all of onely wine,
And gaue it to the Guardian of his Swine:
Who tooke it, and reioyc't. To whom he said;
O Friend, who is it that (so rich) hath paid
Price for thy seruice? Whose commended pow'r,
Thou sayst (to grace the Græcian Conquerour)
At Ilion perisht? Tell me; it may fall
I knew some such. The great God knowes, and all
The other deathlesse Godheads: if I can
(Farre hauing trauail'd) tell of such a man.
Price for thy seruice? Whose commended pow'r,
Thou sayst (to grace the Græcian Conquerour)
At Ilion perisht? Tell me; it may fall
I knew some such. The great God knowes, and all
The other deathlesse Godheads: if I can
(Farre hauing trauail'd) tell of such a man.
Eumæus answer'd: Father, neuer one
Of all the Strangers that haue touch't vpon
This Coast with his lifes Newes, could euer yet
Of Queene, or lou'd sonne, any credit get.
These Trauailers for cloathes, or for a meale;
At all aduentures, any lye will tell.
Nor do they trade for truth: not any man
That saw the people Ithacensian,
Of all their sort; and had the Queenes supplies,
Did euer tell her any newes, but lies.
She graciously receiues them yet; enquires
Of all she can: and all, in teares expires.
It is th' accustom'd Law, that women keepe.
Their husbands, elsewhere dead, at home to weepe.
But do thou, quickly Father, forge a Tale;
Some Coat, or cloake, to keepe thee warme withall,
Perhaps some one may yeeld thee: But for him,
Vultures and Dogges, haue torne from euery lim
His porous skin; and forth his soule is fled:
His coarse at Sea, to Fishes forfeited:
Or on the Shore, lies hid in heapes of sand;
And there hath he his ebbe: his Natiue Strand
With friends teares flowing. But to me, past all
VVere teares created: For I neuer shall
Finde so humane a royall Mayster more;
VVhat euer Sea, I seeke; what euer Shore.
Nay, to my Father, or my Mothers loue
Should I returne; by whom, I breath and moue,
Could I so much ioy offer; nor these eyes
(Though my desires sustaine extremities
For their sad absence) would so faine be blest
VVith sight of their liues, in my natiue Nest,
As with Vlysses dead: in whose last rest,
(O friend) my soule shall loue him. Hee's not here,
Nor do I name him like a Flatterer.
But as one thankfull for his Loue and care
To me a poore man; in the rich so rare.
And be he past all shores, where Sun can shine,
I will inuoke him as a soule diuine.
Of all the Strangers that haue touch't vpon
This Coast with his lifes Newes, could euer yet
Of Queene, or lou'd sonne, any credit get.
These Trauailers for cloathes, or for a meale;
At all aduentures, any lye will tell.
Nor do they trade for truth: not any man
That saw the people Ithacensian,
Of all their sort; and had the Queenes supplies,
Did euer tell her any newes, but lies.
She graciously receiues them yet; enquires
Of all she can: and all, in teares expires.
It is th' accustom'd Law, that women keepe.
Their husbands, elsewhere dead, at home to weepe.
But do thou, quickly Father, forge a Tale;
Some Coat, or cloake, to keepe thee warme withall,
Perhaps some one may yeeld thee: But for him,
Vultures and Dogges, haue torne from euery lim
His porous skin; and forth his soule is fled:
His coarse at Sea, to Fishes forfeited:
Or on the Shore, lies hid in heapes of sand;
And there hath he his ebbe: his Natiue Strand
With friends teares flowing. But to me, past all
VVere teares created: For I neuer shall
Finde so humane a royall Mayster more;
VVhat euer Sea, I seeke; what euer Shore.
Nay, to my Father, or my Mothers loue
Should I returne; by whom, I breath and moue,
Could I so much ioy offer; nor these eyes
(Though my desires sustaine extremities
For their sad absence) would so faine be blest
VVith sight of their liues, in my natiue Nest,
As with Vlysses dead: in whose last rest,
(O friend) my soule shall loue him. Hee's not here,
Nor do I name him like a Flatterer.
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To me a poore man; in the rich so rare.
And be he past all shores, where Sun can shine,
I will inuoke him as a soule diuine.
O Friend (sayd he) to say, and to beleeue
He cannot liue, doth too much license giue
To incredulity. For (not to speake
At needy randon; but my breath to breake
In sacred Oath) Vlysses shall returne.
And when his sight recomforts those that mourne,
In his owne roofes; then giue me cloake, and cote,
And garments worthy of a man of note.
Before which, though neede vrg'd me neuer so,
Ile not receiue a thred, but naked go.
No lesse I hate him then the gates of hell,
That poorenesse can force, an vntruth to tell.
Let Ioue then (heauens chiefe God) iust witnes beare,
And this thy hospitable Table heere;
Together with vnblam'd Vlysses house,
In which I finde receipt so gracious;
VVhat I affirm'd of him shall all be true.
This instant yeare, thine eyes euen heere shall view
Thy Lord Vlysses. Nay, ere this moneths end
(Return'd full home) he shall reuenge extend
To euery one, whose euer deed hath done
VVrong to his wife, and his illustrous Sonne.
He cannot liue, doth too much license giue
To incredulity. For (not to speake
At needy randon; but my breath to breake
In sacred Oath) Vlysses shall returne.
And when his sight recomforts those that mourne,
In his owne roofes; then giue me cloake, and cote,
And garments worthy of a man of note.
Before which, though neede vrg'd me neuer so,
Ile not receiue a thred, but naked go.
No lesse I hate him then the gates of hell,
That poorenesse can force, an vntruth to tell.
Let Ioue then (heauens chiefe God) iust witnes beare,
And this thy hospitable Table heere;
Together with vnblam'd Vlysses house,
In which I finde receipt so gracious;
VVhat I affirm'd of him shall all be true.
This instant yeare, thine eyes euen heere shall view
Thy Lord Vlysses. Nay, ere this moneths end
(Return'd full home) he shall reuenge extend
To euery one, whose euer deed hath done
VVrong to his wife, and his illustrous Sonne.
O Father (he replied) ile neither giue
Thy newes reward; nor doth Vlysses liue.
But come; enough of this; let's drinke and eate,
And neuer more his memory repeate.
It greeues my heart to be remembred thus
By any one, of one so glorious.
But stand your oath, in your assertion strong,
And let Vlysses come, for whom I long:
For whom his wife; for whom his aged Sire;
For whom his Son, consumes his God-like fire;
VVhose chance I now must mourne, and euer shall.
VVhom when the Gods had brought to be as tall
As any vpright plant: and I had saide,
He would amongst a Court of men haue swaide
In counsailes; and for forme, haue bene admir'd
Euen with his Father: some God misinspir'd,
Or man tooke from him, his owne equall minde;
And past him for the Pylian Shore, to finde
His long-lost Father. In returne from whence,
The Wooers pride, way-layes his innocence;
That, of diuine Arcesius, all the race
May fade to Ithaca, and not the grace
Of any Name, left to it. But leave we
His state, howeuer: if surpriz'd he be
Or if he scape. And may Saturnius hand
Protect him safely to his natiue Land.
Do you then (Father) shew your griefes, and cause
Of your arriuall heere; nor breake the hawes
That Truth prescribes you: but relate your name,
And of what race you are: your Fathers fame,
And natiue Cities: Ship and men vnfold,
That to this Isle convaid you: since I hold
Your heere arriuall, was not all by shore;
Nor that your feete, your aged person bore.
Thy newes reward; nor doth Vlysses liue.
But come; enough of this; let's drinke and eate,
And neuer more his memory repeate.
It greeues my heart to be remembred thus
By any one, of one so glorious.
But stand your oath, in your assertion strong,
And let Vlysses come, for whom I long:
For whom his wife; for whom his aged Sire;
For whom his Son, consumes his God-like fire;
VVhose chance I now must mourne, and euer shall.
VVhom when the Gods had brought to be as tall
As any vpright plant: and I had saide,
He would amongst a Court of men haue swaide
In counsailes; and for forme, haue bene admir'd
Euen with his Father: some God misinspir'd,
Or man tooke from him, his owne equall minde;
And past him for the Pylian Shore, to finde
His long-lost Father. In returne from whence,
The Wooers pride, way-layes his innocence;
That, of diuine Arcesius, all the race
May fade to Ithaca, and not the grace
216
His state, howeuer: if surpriz'd he be
Or if he scape. And may Saturnius hand
Protect him safely to his natiue Land.
Do you then (Father) shew your griefes, and cause
Of your arriuall heere; nor breake the hawes
That Truth prescribes you: but relate your name,
And of what race you are: your Fathers fame,
And natiue Cities: Ship and men vnfold,
That to this Isle convaid you: since I hold
Your heere arriuall, was not all by shore;
Nor that your feete, your aged person bore.
He answer'd him; Ile tell all strictly true,
If time, and foode, and wine enough acrue
Within your roofe to vs: that freely we
May sit and banquet: Let your businesse be
Discharg'd by others. For, when all is done,
I can not easly, while the yeare doth runne
His circle round, run ouer all the woes,
Beneath which (by the course the Gods dispose)
My sad age labours. First, Ile tell you then;
From ample Crete I fetch my native strain;
My Father wealthy; whose house, many a life
Brought forth and bred besides, by his true wife.
But me; a Bond-maid bore; his Concubine?
Yet tender'd was I, as his lawfull line
By him; of whose race, I my life profes
Castor, his name; surnam'd Hylacides
A man, in fore-times, by the Cretan State,
For goods, good children, and his fortunate
Successe in all acts; of no meane esteem.
But death-conferring Fates, haue banisht him
To Pluto's kingdome. After whom, his sons
By Lots diuided his possessions;
And gaue me passing little; yet bestow'd
A house on me: to which; my vertues woo'd
A wife from rich mens roofes; nor was borne low,
Nor last in fight, though all Nerues faile me now.
But I suppose, that you by thus much seene,
Know by the stubble, what the Corne hath bene.
For, past all doubt; affliction past all meane
Hath brought my age on: but, in seasons past;
Both Mars and Pallas, haue with boldnesse grac'st;
And Fortitude my fortunes; when I chus'd
Choise men for ambush, prest to haue produc'd
Ill to mine enemies; my too ventrous spirit,
Set neuer death before mine eyes, for merit.
But (farre the first aduanc't still) still I strooke
Dead with my Lance, whoeuer ouertooke
My speed of foot. Such was I then for warre.
But rusticke actions, euer fled me farre,
And houshold thrift, which breeds a famous race.
In Ore-driuen Ships, did I my pleasures place:
In Battailes, light Darts, Arrowes. Sad things all,
And into others thoughts, with horror fall.
If time, and foode, and wine enough acrue
Within your roofe to vs: that freely we
May sit and banquet: Let your businesse be
Discharg'd by others. For, when all is done,
I can not easly, while the yeare doth runne
His circle round, run ouer all the woes,
Beneath which (by the course the Gods dispose)
My sad age labours. First, Ile tell you then;
From ample Crete I fetch my native strain;
My Father wealthy; whose house, many a life
Brought forth and bred besides, by his true wife.
But me; a Bond-maid bore; his Concubine?
Yet tender'd was I, as his lawfull line
By him; of whose race, I my life profes
Castor, his name; surnam'd Hylacides
A man, in fore-times, by the Cretan State,
For goods, good children, and his fortunate
Successe in all acts; of no meane esteem.
But death-conferring Fates, haue banisht him
To Pluto's kingdome. After whom, his sons
By Lots diuided his possessions;
And gaue me passing little; yet bestow'd
A house on me: to which; my vertues woo'd
A wife from rich mens roofes; nor was borne low,
Nor last in fight, though all Nerues faile me now.
But I suppose, that you by thus much seene,
Know by the stubble, what the Corne hath bene.
For, past all doubt; affliction past all meane
Hath brought my age on: but, in seasons past;
Both Mars and Pallas, haue with boldnesse grac'st;
And Fortitude my fortunes; when I chus'd
Choise men for ambush, prest to haue produc'd
Ill to mine enemies; my too ventrous spirit,
Set neuer death before mine eyes, for merit.
But (farre the first aduanc't still) still I strooke
217
My speed of foot. Such was I then for warre.
But rusticke actions, euer fled me farre,
And houshold thrift, which breeds a famous race.
In Ore-driuen Ships, did I my pleasures place:
In Battailes, light Darts, Arrowes. Sad things all,
And into others thoughts, with horror fall.
But what God put into my minde: to me
I still esteem'd as my felicity.
As men, of seuerall Mettals are addrest;
So, seuerall formes are in their soules imprest.
I still esteem'd as my felicity.
As men, of seuerall Mettals are addrest;
So, seuerall formes are in their soules imprest.
Before the sonnes of Greece, set foot in Troy,
Nine times, in Chiefe, I did Command enioy
Of Men and Ships, against our forreigne foe;
And all I fitly wish't, succeeded so.
Yet, after this, I much exploit atchieu'd;
VVhen straight, my house in all possessions thriu'd.
Yet after that, I great, and Reuerend grew
Amongst the Cretans: till the Thunderer drew
Our Forces out, in his foe Troy decrees.
A hatefull seruice, that dissolu'd the knees
Of many a Soldier. And to this was I
And famous Idomene, enioyn'd t'apply
Our ships and pow'rs. Nor was there to be heard
One reason for deniall; so prefer'd
Was the vnreasonable peoples rumour.
Nine yeares we therefore fed the martiall humor;
And in the tenth (de-peopling Priams Towne)
We sail'd for home. But God had quickly blowne
Our Fleete in peeces; and to wretched mee,
The Counsailor Ioue, did much mishap decree.
For, onely one month, I had leave t'enioy
My wife, and children; and my goods t'employ.
But, after this, my minde for Egypt stoode;
When nine faire ships, I rig'd forth for the flood:
Mann'd them with noble soldiers: all things fit
For such a voyage, soone were won to it.
Yet sixe dayes after, staid my friends in feast;
VVhile I, in banquets to the Gods, addrest
Much sacred matter for their sacrifice.
The seauenth, we boorded; and the Northerne skies
Lent vs a franke, and passing prosperous gale,
Fore which, we bore as free and easie saile,
As we had back't a full and frolicke tide;
Nor felt one Ship misfortune for her pride;
But safe we sat, our Sailors and the winde
Consenting in our conuoy? When heaven shin'de
In sacred radiance of the fift faire day:
To sweetly-water'd Egypt reach't our way,
And there we anchor'd: where I charg'd my men
To stay aboord, and watch. Dismissing then
Some scouts, to get the hill-tops, and discouer,
They (to their owne intemperance giuen ouer)
Straight fell to forrage the rich fields; and thence
Enforce both wiues and infants, with th' expence
Of both their bloods. When straight the rumor flew
Vp to the City: (which heard) vp they drew
By daies first breake; and all the field was fild
VVith foot & horse; whose Armes did all things gild.
And then the Lightning-louing Deity, cast
A foule flight on my soldiers: nor stood fast
One man of all. About whom Mischiefe stood,
And with his stern steele, drew in streames the blood,
The greater part fed in their dissolute vaines:
The rest were sau'd, and made enthralled Swaines,
To all the basest vsages there bred.
And then, euen Ioue himselfe supplyed my head
VVith sauing counsaile; (though I wisht to dye,
And there in Egypt, with their slaughters lye,
So much griefe seiz'd me) but Ioue made me yield;
Dishelme my head, take from my necke, my shield:
Hurle from my hand my Lance, and to the troop
Of horse, the King led, instantly made vp;
Embrace, and kisse his knees; whom pitty won,
To giue me safety, and (to make me shun
The peoples outrage, that made in amaine,
All ioyntly fir'd, with thirst to see me slaine)
He tooke me to his Chariot, weeping home;
Himselfe with feare of Ioues wrath ouercome,
VVho yeelding soules receiues; and takes most ill
All such as well may saue, yet loue to kill.
Seuen yeares I soiourn'd heere, and measure gat,
In good abundance of th' Egyptian state:
For all would giue. But when th' eight yeare began:
A knowing Fellow (that would gnaw a man
Like to a Vermine, with his hellish braine,
And many an honest soule, euen quicke had slaine;
VVhose name was Phœnix) close accosted me:
And with insinuations, such as he
Practis'd on others, my consent he gain'd
To go into Phœnicia; where remain'd
His house, and liuing. And with him I liu'd
A compleat yeare. But, when were all arriu'd
The months and daies: and that the yeare againe
VVas turning round; and euery seasons raigne
Renew'd vpon vs; we for Lybia went:
VVhen (still inuenting crafts to circumuent)
He made pretext, that I should onely go
And helpe conuey his freight; but thought not so:
For his intent was, to haue sold me there,
And made good gaine, for finding me a yeare.
Yet him I follow'd, though suspecting this:
For, being aboord his Ship, I must be his
Of strong Necessity. She ran the flood
(Driuen with a Northerne gale, right free, and good)
Amids the full streame, full on Crete. But then,
Ioue plotted death to him, and all his men.
For (put off quite from Crete, and so farre gone
That Shore was lost; and we set eye on none:
But all shew'd heauen and sea) aboue our Keele
Ioue pointed right, a cloud as blacke as hell:
Beneath which, all the sea hid; and from whence
Ioue thunder'd, as his hand would neuer thence.
And thicke into our Ship, he threw his flash:
That 'gainst a Rocke, or Flat, her Keele did dash
VVith headlong Rapture. Of the sulphure all
Her bulke did sauour; and her men let fall
Amids the Surges: on which, all lay tost
Like Sea-guls, round about her sides, and lost.
And so, God tooke, all home-returne from them.
But Ioue himselfe (though plung'd in that extream)
Recouer'd me, by thrusting on my hand
The Ships long Mast. And (that my life might stand
A little more vp) I embrac't it round;
And on the rude windes, thae did ruines sound,
Nine dayes we houer'd. In the tenth blacke night
A huge Sea cast me on Thesprotia's height:
VVhere the Heroe Phidon, that was chiefe
Of all the Thesprotes; gaue my wracke reliefe,
VVithout the price of that redemption
That Phœnix fish't for. VVhere the Kings lou'd son
Came to me; tooke me by the hand, & led
Into his Court; my poore life surffetted
VVith cold and labour: and because my wrack
Chanc't on his Fathers Shore: he let not lack
My plight; or coate, or cloake, or any thing
Might cherish heate in me. And heere the King,
Said, he receiu'd Vlysses as his Guest;
Obseru'd him Friend-like; and his course addrest
Home to his country: shewing there to me
Vlysses goods. A very Treasure
Of Brasse, & Gold, & Steele of curious frame.
And to the tenth succession of his name
He laid vp wealth enough, to serue beside
In that Kings house; so hugely amplified
His treasure was. But from his Court, the King
Affirm'd him ship't, for the Dodonean Spring:
To heare, from out the high-hair'd Oake of Ioue,
Counsaile from him: for meanes to his remoue
To his lou'd country, whence so many a yeare
He had bene absent; If he should appeare
Disguisd, or manifest: and further swore
In his mid Court, at Sacrifice, before
These very eyes; that he had ready there
Both Ship and Souldiers, to attend and beare
Him to his country. But before; it chanc't
That a Thesprotean Ship, was to be lanch't
For the much-come-renown'd Dulichian Land:
In which, the King gaue to his men command
To take, and bring me vnder tender hand
To King Acastus. But, in ill designe
Of my poore life, did their desires combine;
So farre forth, as might euer keepe me vnder
In fortunes hands, and teare my state in sunder.
And when the water-treader, farre away
Had lost the Land: then plotted they the day
Of my long seruitude; and tooke from me
Both coate and cloake, and all things that might be
Grace in my habit; and in place, put on
These tatter'd rags, which now you see vpon
My wretched bosom. When heauens light took sea,
They fetcht the Field-workes of faire Ithaca;
And in the arm'd Ship, with a wel-wreath'd cord
They streightly bound me, and did all disbord
To shore to supper, in contentious rout.
Yet straight, the Gods themselues, tooke from about
My pressed limbes the bands, with equall ease;
And I (my head in rags wrapt) tooke the Seas,
Descending by the smooth sterne; vsing then
My hands for Oares; and made from these bad men
Long way, in little time. At last, I fetcht
A goodly Groue of Okes; whose Shore I recht,
And cast me prostrate on it. When they knew
My thus-made-scape, about the Shores they flew:
But (soone not finding) held it not their best
To seeke me further; but return'd to rest
Aboord their Vessell. Me, the Gods lodg'd close,
Conducting me into the safe repose
A good mans stable yeelded. And thus, Fate
This poore houre added, to my liuing date.
Nine times, in Chiefe, I did Command enioy
Of Men and Ships, against our forreigne foe;
And all I fitly wish't, succeeded so.
Yet, after this, I much exploit atchieu'd;
VVhen straight, my house in all possessions thriu'd.
Yet after that, I great, and Reuerend grew
Amongst the Cretans: till the Thunderer drew
Our Forces out, in his foe Troy decrees.
A hatefull seruice, that dissolu'd the knees
Of many a Soldier. And to this was I
And famous Idomene, enioyn'd t'apply
Our ships and pow'rs. Nor was there to be heard
One reason for deniall; so prefer'd
Was the vnreasonable peoples rumour.
Nine yeares we therefore fed the martiall humor;
And in the tenth (de-peopling Priams Towne)
We sail'd for home. But God had quickly blowne
Our Fleete in peeces; and to wretched mee,
The Counsailor Ioue, did much mishap decree.
For, onely one month, I had leave t'enioy
My wife, and children; and my goods t'employ.
But, after this, my minde for Egypt stoode;
When nine faire ships, I rig'd forth for the flood:
Mann'd them with noble soldiers: all things fit
For such a voyage, soone were won to it.
Yet sixe dayes after, staid my friends in feast;
VVhile I, in banquets to the Gods, addrest
Much sacred matter for their sacrifice.
The seauenth, we boorded; and the Northerne skies
Lent vs a franke, and passing prosperous gale,
Fore which, we bore as free and easie saile,
As we had back't a full and frolicke tide;
Nor felt one Ship misfortune for her pride;
But safe we sat, our Sailors and the winde
Consenting in our conuoy? When heaven shin'de
In sacred radiance of the fift faire day:
218
And there we anchor'd: where I charg'd my men
To stay aboord, and watch. Dismissing then
Some scouts, to get the hill-tops, and discouer,
They (to their owne intemperance giuen ouer)
Straight fell to forrage the rich fields; and thence
Enforce both wiues and infants, with th' expence
Of both their bloods. When straight the rumor flew
Vp to the City: (which heard) vp they drew
By daies first breake; and all the field was fild
VVith foot & horse; whose Armes did all things gild.
And then the Lightning-louing Deity, cast
A foule flight on my soldiers: nor stood fast
One man of all. About whom Mischiefe stood,
And with his stern steele, drew in streames the blood,
The greater part fed in their dissolute vaines:
The rest were sau'd, and made enthralled Swaines,
To all the basest vsages there bred.
And then, euen Ioue himselfe supplyed my head
VVith sauing counsaile; (though I wisht to dye,
And there in Egypt, with their slaughters lye,
So much griefe seiz'd me) but Ioue made me yield;
Dishelme my head, take from my necke, my shield:
Hurle from my hand my Lance, and to the troop
Of horse, the King led, instantly made vp;
Embrace, and kisse his knees; whom pitty won,
To giue me safety, and (to make me shun
The peoples outrage, that made in amaine,
All ioyntly fir'd, with thirst to see me slaine)
He tooke me to his Chariot, weeping home;
Himselfe with feare of Ioues wrath ouercome,
VVho yeelding soules receiues; and takes most ill
All such as well may saue, yet loue to kill.
Seuen yeares I soiourn'd heere, and measure gat,
In good abundance of th' Egyptian state:
For all would giue. But when th' eight yeare began:
A knowing Fellow (that would gnaw a man
Like to a Vermine, with his hellish braine,
And many an honest soule, euen quicke had slaine;
VVhose name was Phœnix) close accosted me:
And with insinuations, such as he
Practis'd on others, my consent he gain'd
To go into Phœnicia; where remain'd
His house, and liuing. And with him I liu'd
A compleat yeare. But, when were all arriu'd
The months and daies: and that the yeare againe
VVas turning round; and euery seasons raigne
Renew'd vpon vs; we for Lybia went:
219
He made pretext, that I should onely go
And helpe conuey his freight; but thought not so:
For his intent was, to haue sold me there,
And made good gaine, for finding me a yeare.
Yet him I follow'd, though suspecting this:
For, being aboord his Ship, I must be his
Of strong Necessity. She ran the flood
(Driuen with a Northerne gale, right free, and good)
Amids the full streame, full on Crete. But then,
Ioue plotted death to him, and all his men.
For (put off quite from Crete, and so farre gone
That Shore was lost; and we set eye on none:
But all shew'd heauen and sea) aboue our Keele
Ioue pointed right, a cloud as blacke as hell:
Beneath which, all the sea hid; and from whence
Ioue thunder'd, as his hand would neuer thence.
And thicke into our Ship, he threw his flash:
That 'gainst a Rocke, or Flat, her Keele did dash
VVith headlong Rapture. Of the sulphure all
Her bulke did sauour; and her men let fall
Amids the Surges: on which, all lay tost
Like Sea-guls, round about her sides, and lost.
And so, God tooke, all home-returne from them.
But Ioue himselfe (though plung'd in that extream)
Recouer'd me, by thrusting on my hand
The Ships long Mast. And (that my life might stand
A little more vp) I embrac't it round;
And on the rude windes, thae did ruines sound,
Nine dayes we houer'd. In the tenth blacke night
A huge Sea cast me on Thesprotia's height:
VVhere the Heroe Phidon, that was chiefe
Of all the Thesprotes; gaue my wracke reliefe,
VVithout the price of that redemption
That Phœnix fish't for. VVhere the Kings lou'd son
Came to me; tooke me by the hand, & led
Into his Court; my poore life surffetted
VVith cold and labour: and because my wrack
Chanc't on his Fathers Shore: he let not lack
My plight; or coate, or cloake, or any thing
Might cherish heate in me. And heere the King,
Said, he receiu'd Vlysses as his Guest;
Obseru'd him Friend-like; and his course addrest
Home to his country: shewing there to me
Vlysses goods. A very Treasure
Of Brasse, & Gold, & Steele of curious frame.
And to the tenth succession of his name
He laid vp wealth enough, to serue beside
220
His treasure was. But from his Court, the King
Affirm'd him ship't, for the Dodonean Spring:
To heare, from out the high-hair'd Oake of Ioue,
Counsaile from him: for meanes to his remoue
To his lou'd country, whence so many a yeare
He had bene absent; If he should appeare
Disguisd, or manifest: and further swore
In his mid Court, at Sacrifice, before
These very eyes; that he had ready there
Both Ship and Souldiers, to attend and beare
Him to his country. But before; it chanc't
That a Thesprotean Ship, was to be lanch't
For the much-come-renown'd Dulichian Land:
In which, the King gaue to his men command
To take, and bring me vnder tender hand
To King Acastus. But, in ill designe
Of my poore life, did their desires combine;
So farre forth, as might euer keepe me vnder
In fortunes hands, and teare my state in sunder.
And when the water-treader, farre away
Had lost the Land: then plotted they the day
Of my long seruitude; and tooke from me
Both coate and cloake, and all things that might be
Grace in my habit; and in place, put on
These tatter'd rags, which now you see vpon
My wretched bosom. When heauens light took sea,
They fetcht the Field-workes of faire Ithaca;
And in the arm'd Ship, with a wel-wreath'd cord
They streightly bound me, and did all disbord
To shore to supper, in contentious rout.
Yet straight, the Gods themselues, tooke from about
My pressed limbes the bands, with equall ease;
And I (my head in rags wrapt) tooke the Seas,
Descending by the smooth sterne; vsing then
My hands for Oares; and made from these bad men
Long way, in little time. At last, I fetcht
A goodly Groue of Okes; whose Shore I recht,
And cast me prostrate on it. When they knew
My thus-made-scape, about the Shores they flew:
But (soone not finding) held it not their best
To seeke me further; but return'd to rest
Aboord their Vessell. Me, the Gods lodg'd close,
Conducting me into the safe repose
A good mans stable yeelded. And thus, Fate
This poore houre added, to my liuing date.
O wretch of Guests (said he) thy Tale hath stirr'd
My minde to much ruth: both how thou hast err'd
And suffer'd hearing, in such good parts showne:
But what thy chang'd relation would make knowne
About Vlysses; I hold neither true,
Nor will beleeue: and what need'st thou pursue
A Lye so rashly? Since he sure is so
As I conceiue; for which, my skill shall go.
The safe returne my King lackes, cannot be;
He is so enuied of each Deity,
So cleere, so cruelly. For not in Troy
They gaue him end; nor let his Corpse enioy
The hands of Friends (which well they might haue done,
He manag'd armes to such perfection;
And should haue had his Sepulcher, and all;
And all the Greekes to grace his Funerall:
And this had giuen a glory to his Son
Through all times future.) But his head is run
Vnseene, vnhonor'd, into Harpies mawes.
For my part, Ile not meddle with the cause:
I liue a separate life, amongst my Swine;
Come at no Towne for any need of mine;
Vnlesse the circularly witted Queene
(When any farre-come guest, is to be seene
That brings her newes) commands me bring a Brawn;
About which (all things being in question drawne,
That touch the King) they sit; and some are sad
For his long absence. Some againe, are glad
To waste his goods vnwreak't; all talking still.
But, as for me, I nourish't little will
T'enquire or question of him: since the man
That faign'd himselfe, the fled Etolian,
For slaughtering one, (through many Regions straid)
In my Stall (as his diuersory) staide.
VVhere well entreating him; he told me then,
Amongst the Cretans, with King Idomen,
He saw Vlysses; at his Ships repaire,
That had bene brush't with the enraged aire:
And that, in Summer, or in Autumne, sure
VVith all his braue friends, and rich furniture,
He would be heere: and nothing so, nor so.
But thou, an old man, taught with so much wo
As thou hast suffer'd, to be season'd true,
And brought by his fate; do not heere pursue
His gratulations, with thy cunning Lies.
Thou canst not soake so through my Faculties.
For I did neuer, either honor thee
Or giue thee loue, to bring these tales to me.
But in my feare of Hospitable Ioue
Thou didst to this passe, my affections moue.
You stand exceeding much incredulous,
(Reply'd Vlysses) to haue witnest thus
My word, and Oath; yet yeeld no trust at all.
But make we now a couenant here, and call
The dreadfull Gods to witnesse, that take seat
In large Olympus: if your Kings retreat
Proue made, euen hither; you shall furnish me
With cloake, and coate, and make my passage free
For lou'd Dulichius. If (as fits my vow)
Your King returne not; let your seruants throw
My old limbes headlong, from some rock most hye,
That other poore men may take feare to lye.
My minde to much ruth: both how thou hast err'd
221
But what thy chang'd relation would make knowne
About Vlysses; I hold neither true,
Nor will beleeue: and what need'st thou pursue
A Lye so rashly? Since he sure is so
As I conceiue; for which, my skill shall go.
The safe returne my King lackes, cannot be;
He is so enuied of each Deity,
So cleere, so cruelly. For not in Troy
They gaue him end; nor let his Corpse enioy
The hands of Friends (which well they might haue done,
He manag'd armes to such perfection;
And should haue had his Sepulcher, and all;
And all the Greekes to grace his Funerall:
And this had giuen a glory to his Son
Through all times future.) But his head is run
Vnseene, vnhonor'd, into Harpies mawes.
For my part, Ile not meddle with the cause:
I liue a separate life, amongst my Swine;
Come at no Towne for any need of mine;
Vnlesse the circularly witted Queene
(When any farre-come guest, is to be seene
That brings her newes) commands me bring a Brawn;
About which (all things being in question drawne,
That touch the King) they sit; and some are sad
For his long absence. Some againe, are glad
To waste his goods vnwreak't; all talking still.
But, as for me, I nourish't little will
T'enquire or question of him: since the man
That faign'd himselfe, the fled Etolian,
For slaughtering one, (through many Regions straid)
In my Stall (as his diuersory) staide.
VVhere well entreating him; he told me then,
Amongst the Cretans, with King Idomen,
He saw Vlysses; at his Ships repaire,
That had bene brush't with the enraged aire:
And that, in Summer, or in Autumne, sure
VVith all his braue friends, and rich furniture,
He would be heere: and nothing so, nor so.
But thou, an old man, taught with so much wo
As thou hast suffer'd, to be season'd true,
And brought by his fate; do not heere pursue
His gratulations, with thy cunning Lies.
Thou canst not soake so through my Faculties.
For I did neuer, either honor thee
Or giue thee loue, to bring these tales to me.
But in my feare of Hospitable Ioue
Thou didst to this passe, my affections moue.
222
(Reply'd Vlysses) to haue witnest thus
My word, and Oath; yet yeeld no trust at all.
But make we now a couenant here, and call
The dreadfull Gods to witnesse, that take seat
In large Olympus: if your Kings retreat
Proue made, euen hither; you shall furnish me
With cloake, and coate, and make my passage free
For lou'd Dulichius. If (as fits my vow)
Your King returne not; let your seruants throw
My old limbes headlong, from some rock most hye,
That other poore men may take feare to lye.
The Herdsman, that had gifts in him diuine,
Replied; O Guest, how shal this Fame of mine
And honest vertue, amongst men, remaine
Now, and heereafter, without worthy staine;
If I, that led thee to my Houell heere,
And made thee fitting hospitable cheere,
Should after kill thee; and thy loued minde
Force from thy bones? Or how should stand enclin'd
With any Faith, my will t'importune Ioue
In any prayer heereafter, for his loue?
Replied; O Guest, how shal this Fame of mine
And honest vertue, amongst men, remaine
Now, and heereafter, without worthy staine;
If I, that led thee to my Houell heere,
And made thee fitting hospitable cheere,
Should after kill thee; and thy loued minde
Force from thy bones? Or how should stand enclin'd
With any Faith, my will t'importune Ioue
In any prayer heereafter, for his loue?
Come, now 'tis supper's houre; and instant hast
My men wil make home: when our sweet repast
Wee'le taste together. This discourse they held
In mutual kinde; when from a neighbor field,
His Swine and Swine-herds came; who in their coats
Inclosd their Herds for sleepe: which, mighty throats
Laid out entring. Then, the God-like Swaine
His men enioyn'd thus: Bring me to be slaine
A chiefe Swine female, for my stranger Guest:
VVhen, altogether we wil take our Feast,
Refreshing now our spirits, that all day take
Paines in our Swines good: who may therfore make
For our paines with them all, amends with one;
Since others eate our Labors, and take none?
This said; his sharpe steele hew'd down wood, & they
A passing fat Swine hal'd out of the Sty,
Of fiue yeares old, which to the fire they put.
VVhen first Eumæus from the Front did out
The sacred haire, and cast it in the fire;
Then, pray'd to heauen: for stil, before desire
VVas seru'd with food, in their so rude abode,
Not the poore Swine-herd would forget the Gods.
Good soules they bore, how bad soeuer were
The habits, that their bodies parts did beare.
VVhen all, the deathlesse Deities besought,
That wise Vlysses might be safely brought
Home, to his house; then with a logge of Oke
Left lying by (high lifting it) a stroke
He gaue so deadly, it made life expire.
Then cut the rest, her throat; and all in fire
They hid and sindg'd her: cut her vp, and then,
The Maister tooke the office from the men,
VVho on the Altar did the parts impose
That seru'd for sacrifice: beginning close
About the belly; thorough which he went,
And (all the chiefe fat gathering) gaue it vent
(Part dreg'd with Flowre) into the sacred flame;
Then cut they vp the ioynts, and roasted them:
Drew all from spit, and seru'd in dishes all.
Then rose Eumæus, (who was General
In skill to guide each act, his fit euent)
And (all, in seuen parts cut) the first part went
To seruice of the Nymphs, and Mercury;
To whose names, he did Rites of piety
In vowes particular; and all the rest
He shar'd to euery one: but his lou'd Guest
He grac't with all the Chine; and of that King
To haue his heart chear'd, set vp euery string.
VVhich he obseruing saide; I would to Ioue
(Eumæus) thou liu'dst in his worthy loue
As great as mine; that giu'st to such a guest
As my poore selfe, of all thy goods the best.
My men wil make home: when our sweet repast
Wee'le taste together. This discourse they held
In mutual kinde; when from a neighbor field,
His Swine and Swine-herds came; who in their coats
Inclosd their Herds for sleepe: which, mighty throats
Laid out entring. Then, the God-like Swaine
His men enioyn'd thus: Bring me to be slaine
A chiefe Swine female, for my stranger Guest:
VVhen, altogether we wil take our Feast,
Refreshing now our spirits, that all day take
Paines in our Swines good: who may therfore make
For our paines with them all, amends with one;
Since others eate our Labors, and take none?
This said; his sharpe steele hew'd down wood, & they
A passing fat Swine hal'd out of the Sty,
Of fiue yeares old, which to the fire they put.
VVhen first Eumæus from the Front did out
The sacred haire, and cast it in the fire;
Then, pray'd to heauen: for stil, before desire
VVas seru'd with food, in their so rude abode,
Not the poore Swine-herd would forget the Gods.
Good soules they bore, how bad soeuer were
The habits, that their bodies parts did beare.
VVhen all, the deathlesse Deities besought,
That wise Vlysses might be safely brought
223
Left lying by (high lifting it) a stroke
He gaue so deadly, it made life expire.
Then cut the rest, her throat; and all in fire
They hid and sindg'd her: cut her vp, and then,
The Maister tooke the office from the men,
VVho on the Altar did the parts impose
That seru'd for sacrifice: beginning close
About the belly; thorough which he went,
And (all the chiefe fat gathering) gaue it vent
(Part dreg'd with Flowre) into the sacred flame;
Then cut they vp the ioynts, and roasted them:
Drew all from spit, and seru'd in dishes all.
Then rose Eumæus, (who was General
In skill to guide each act, his fit euent)
And (all, in seuen parts cut) the first part went
To seruice of the Nymphs, and Mercury;
To whose names, he did Rites of piety
In vowes particular; and all the rest
He shar'd to euery one: but his lou'd Guest
He grac't with all the Chine; and of that King
To haue his heart chear'd, set vp euery string.
VVhich he obseruing saide; I would to Ioue
(Eumæus) thou liu'dst in his worthy loue
As great as mine; that giu'st to such a guest
As my poore selfe, of all thy goods the best.
Eumæus answer'd; Eate, vnhappy wretch,
And to what heere is, at thy pleasure reach.
This I haue; this thou want'st: thus God will giue,
Thus take away; in vs, and all that liue.
To his wil's equall center, all things fall;
His minde he must haue, for he can do all.
And to what heere is, at thy pleasure reach.
This I haue; this thou want'st: thus God will giue,
Thus take away; in vs, and all that liue.
To his wil's equall center, all things fall;
His minde he must haue, for he can do all.
Thus hauing eate, and to his wine descended;
Before he seru'd his owne thirst, he commended
The first vse of it, in fit sacrifice
(As of his meate) to all the Deities.
And to the City-racers hand, applide
The second cup; whose place was next his side:
Mesaulius did distribute the meate,
(To which charge, was Eumæus solely set
In absence of Vlysses; by the Queene
And old Laertes) and this man had beene
Bought by Eumæus, with his faculties,
Employ'd then in the Taphian Merchandise.
Before he seru'd his owne thirst, he commended
The first vse of it, in fit sacrifice
(As of his meate) to all the Deities.
And to the City-racers hand, applide
The second cup; whose place was next his side:
Mesaulius did distribute the meate,
(To which charge, was Eumæus solely set
In absence of Vlysses; by the Queene
And old Laertes) and this man had beene
Bought by Eumæus, with his faculties,
Employ'd then in the Taphian Merchandise.
But now; to food apposde, and order'd thus,
All fell. Desire suffic'd, Mesaulius
Did take away. For bed then next they were,
All throughly satisfied with compleat cheare.
The night then came; ill, and no Taper shind:
Ioue rain'd her whole date. Th' euer watry wind
Zephyre blew lowd; and Laertiades
(Approuing kinde Eumæus carefulnes
For his whole good) made farre about assay,
To get some cast-off Cassocke (least he lay
That rough night cold) of him, or any one
Of those his seruants: when he thus begun.
All fell. Desire suffic'd, Mesaulius
Did take away. For bed then next they were,
All throughly satisfied with compleat cheare.
224
Ioue rain'd her whole date. Th' euer watry wind
Zephyre blew lowd; and Laertiades
(Approuing kinde Eumæus carefulnes
For his whole good) made farre about assay,
To get some cast-off Cassocke (least he lay
That rough night cold) of him, or any one
Of those his seruants: when he thus begun.
Heare me Eumæus, and my other friends;
Ile vse a speech that to my glory tends:
Since I haue drunke wine past my vsuall guise;
Strong Wine commands the Foole, and mones the wise;
Moues and impels him too, to sing and dance,
And breake in pleasant laughters; and (perchance)
Preferre a speech too, that were better in.
But when my spirits, once to speake begin,
I shall not then dissemble. Would to heauen,
I were as yong, and had my forces driuen
As close together, as when once our powres
VVe led to ambush, vnder th' Ilion Towres:
VVhere Ithacus, and Menelaus were
The two Commanders; when it pleas'd them there
To take my selfe for third; when to the Towne
And lofty wals we led, we couch't close downe
All arm'd, amids the Osiers, and the Reeds,
Which oftentimes th' ore-flowing Riuer feeds.
The cold night came; and th' Icy Northerne gale
Blew bleake vpon vs: after which, did fall
A snow so cold, it cut, as in it beate
A frozen water; which was all concrete
About our Shields like Cristall. All made faine
(Aboue our armes) to cloathe, and cloathe againe.
And so we made good shift (our shields beside
Clapt close vpon our cloathes) to rest and hide
From all discouery. But I (poore foole)
Left my weeds with my men, because so coole
I thought it could not proue: which thoght, my pride
A little strengthen'd; being loth to hide
A goodly glittering garment I had on.
And so I follow'd with my shield alone,
And that braue weed. But when the night nere ended
Her course on earth, and that the starres descended,
I iog'd Vlysses (who lay passing neare)
And spake to him, that had a nimble eare;
Assuring him, that long I could not lye
Amongst the liuing; for the feruencie
Of that sharpe night would kill me; since as then,
My euill Angell, made me with my men
Leaue all weeds, but a fine one. But I know
'Tis vaine to talke; here wants all remedy now.
Ile vse a speech that to my glory tends:
Since I haue drunke wine past my vsuall guise;
Strong Wine commands the Foole, and mones the wise;
Moues and impels him too, to sing and dance,
And breake in pleasant laughters; and (perchance)
Preferre a speech too, that were better in.
But when my spirits, once to speake begin,
I shall not then dissemble. Would to heauen,
I were as yong, and had my forces driuen
As close together, as when once our powres
VVe led to ambush, vnder th' Ilion Towres:
VVhere Ithacus, and Menelaus were
The two Commanders; when it pleas'd them there
To take my selfe for third; when to the Towne
And lofty wals we led, we couch't close downe
All arm'd, amids the Osiers, and the Reeds,
Which oftentimes th' ore-flowing Riuer feeds.
The cold night came; and th' Icy Northerne gale
Blew bleake vpon vs: after which, did fall
A snow so cold, it cut, as in it beate
A frozen water; which was all concrete
About our Shields like Cristall. All made faine
(Aboue our armes) to cloathe, and cloathe againe.
And so we made good shift (our shields beside
Clapt close vpon our cloathes) to rest and hide
From all discouery. But I (poore foole)
Left my weeds with my men, because so coole
I thought it could not proue: which thoght, my pride
A little strengthen'd; being loth to hide
A goodly glittering garment I had on.
And so I follow'd with my shield alone,
And that braue weed. But when the night nere ended
Her course on earth, and that the starres descended,
I iog'd Vlysses (who lay passing neare)
And spake to him, that had a nimble eare;
Assuring him, that long I could not lye
Amongst the liuing; for the feruencie
Of that sharpe night would kill me; since as then,
My euill Angell, made me with my men
225
'Tis vaine to talke; here wants all remedy now.
This said; he bore that vnderstanding part
In his prompt spirit, that still show'd his Art
In Fight and counsell; saying (in a word,
And that low whisper'd) Peace, least you afford
Some Greeke, note of your softnes. No word more;
But made as if his sterne austerity, bore
My plight no pitty. Yet (as still he lay
His head reposing on his hand) gaue way
To this inuention; Heare me friends, a Dreame
(That was of some celestiall light a beame)
Stood in my sleepe before me: prompting me
VVith this fit notice: we are farre (saide he)
From out our Fleet. Let one go then, and try
If Agamemnon wil affoord supply
To what we now are strong. This stirr'd a speed
In Thoæs to th' affaire. Whose purple weede
He left for hast. Which then I tooke, and lay
In quiet after, til the dawne of day.
In his prompt spirit, that still show'd his Art
In Fight and counsell; saying (in a word,
And that low whisper'd) Peace, least you afford
Some Greeke, note of your softnes. No word more;
But made as if his sterne austerity, bore
My plight no pitty. Yet (as still he lay
His head reposing on his hand) gaue way
To this inuention; Heare me friends, a Dreame
(That was of some celestiall light a beame)
Stood in my sleepe before me: prompting me
VVith this fit notice: we are farre (saide he)
From out our Fleet. Let one go then, and try
If Agamemnon wil affoord supply
To what we now are strong. This stirr'd a speed
In Thoæs to th' affaire. Whose purple weede
He left for hast. Which then I tooke, and lay
In quiet after, til the dawne of day.
This shift Vlysses made for one in neede;
And would to heauen, that youth such spirit did feed
Now in my Nerues; and that my ioynts were knit,
VVith such a strength, as made me then held fit
To leade men with Vlysses. I should then
Seeme worth a weed, that fit's a herdsmans men:
For two respects, to gaine a thankfull frend;
And to a good mans neede, a good extend.
And would to heauen, that youth such spirit did feed
Now in my Nerues; and that my ioynts were knit,
VVith such a strength, as made me then held fit
To leade men with Vlysses. I should then
Seeme worth a weed, that fit's a herdsmans men:
For two respects, to gaine a thankfull frend;
And to a good mans neede, a good extend.
O Father (said Eumæus) thou hast showne
Good cause for vs, to giue thee good renowne:
Not vsing any word, that was not freed
From all least ill. Thou therefore, shalt not need
Or coate, or other thing, that aptly may
Beseeme a wretched suppliant, for defray
Of this nights neede. But when her golden throne
The Morne ascends, you must resume your owne:
For, heere you must not dreame of many weeds,
Or any change at all. VVe serue our needs,
As you do yours: One backe, one coate. But when
Vlysses loued sonne returnes, he then
Shal giue you coat and cassocke; and bestow
Your person where, your heart and soule is now.
Good cause for vs, to giue thee good renowne:
Not vsing any word, that was not freed
From all least ill. Thou therefore, shalt not need
Or coate, or other thing, that aptly may
Beseeme a wretched suppliant, for defray
Of this nights neede. But when her golden throne
The Morne ascends, you must resume your owne:
For, heere you must not dreame of many weeds,
Or any change at all. VVe serue our needs,
As you do yours: One backe, one coate. But when
Vlysses loued sonne returnes, he then
Shal giue you coat and cassocke; and bestow
Your person where, your heart and soule is now.
This said, he rose, made neere the fire his bed,
VVhich all with Goats and Sheep-skins, he bespred.
All which, Vlysses with himselfe did line.
VVith whom, besides, he chang'd a gabberdine,
Thicke lin'd, and soft; which stil he made his shift,
VVhen he would dresse him gainst the horrid drift
Of Tempest; when deepe winters season blowes.
Nor pleasde it him to lye there with his Sowes,
But while Vlysses slept there: and close by
The other yonkers, he abroad would ly,
And therefore arm'd him. VVhich set cheerefull fare
Before Vlysses heart; to see such care
Of his goods taken; how farre off so euer
His fate, his person, and his wealth should seuer.
First then; a sharpe edg'd sword, he girt about
His well-spred shoulders; and (to shelter out
The sharpe VVest wind that blew) he put him on
A thick-lin'd Iacket; and yet cast vpon
All that, the large hide of a Goat, well fed.
A Lance then tooke he, with a keene steele head,
To be his keepe-off, both 'gainst Men and Dogges:
And thus went he to rest, with his male Hogges,
That still abroad lay, vnderneath a Rocke:
Shield to the North-winds euer eager shocke.
VVhich all with Goats and Sheep-skins, he bespred.
All which, Vlysses with himselfe did line.
VVith whom, besides, he chang'd a gabberdine,
Thicke lin'd, and soft; which stil he made his shift,
VVhen he would dresse him gainst the horrid drift
226
Nor pleasde it him to lye there with his Sowes,
But while Vlysses slept there: and close by
The other yonkers, he abroad would ly,
And therefore arm'd him. VVhich set cheerefull fare
Before Vlysses heart; to see such care
Of his goods taken; how farre off so euer
His fate, his person, and his wealth should seuer.
First then; a sharpe edg'd sword, he girt about
His well-spred shoulders; and (to shelter out
The sharpe VVest wind that blew) he put him on
A thick-lin'd Iacket; and yet cast vpon
All that, the large hide of a Goat, well fed.
A Lance then tooke he, with a keene steele head,
To be his keepe-off, both 'gainst Men and Dogges:
And thus went he to rest, with his male Hogges,
That still abroad lay, vnderneath a Rocke:
Shield to the North-winds euer eager shocke.
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