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 |  |
In
Lacedæmon large, and apt for dances;
Athenian Pallas, her accesse aduances
Vp to the great in soule, Vlysses seed,
Suggesting his returne, now fit for deed.
She found both him, and Nestors noble son
In bed; in front of that faire Mansion:
Nestorides surpriz'd with pleasing sleepe.
But, on the watch Vlysses sonne did keepe,
Sleepe could not enter; cares did so excite
His soule, through all the solitary night,
For his lou'd Father. To him (neere) she said:
Athenian Pallas, her accesse aduances
Vp to the great in soule, Vlysses seed,
Suggesting his returne, now fit for deed.
She found both him, and Nestors noble son
In bed; in front of that faire Mansion:
Nestorides surpriz'd with pleasing sleepe.
But, on the watch Vlysses sonne did keepe,
Sleepe could not enter; cares did so excite
His soule, through all the solitary night,
For his lou'd Father. To him (neere) she said:
Telemachus! Tis time that now were staid
Thy forreigne trauailes; since thy goods are free
For those proud men, that all will eate from thee:
Diuide thy whole possessions, and leaue
Thy too-late presence nothing to receiue.
Incite the shrill-voic't Menelaus then,
To send thee to thy Natiue seat agen;
VVhile thou mayst yet finde in her honor strong
Thy blamelesse Mother, 'gainst thy Father's wrong.
For both the Father, and the Brothers to
Of thy lou'd Mother, will not suffer so
Extended any more, her widdowes bed;
But make her now, her richest wooer wed,
Eurymachus: who chiefly may augment
Her gifts, and make her ioynture eminent.
And therefore hast thee; least in thy despight,
Thy house stand empty of thy Natiue right.
For well thou know'st what mind a woman beares,
The house of him, who euer she endeares
Her selfe in Nuptials to: she sees encreast,
The yssue of her first lou'd Lord deceast,
Forgotten quite, and neuer thought on more.
In thy returne then, the re-counted store
Thou find'st reseru'd; to thy most trusted Maid
Commit in guard, till heauens pow'rs haue puruaid
A wife in vertue, and in beauties grace
Of fit sort for thee, to supply her place.
And this note more Ile giue thee; which repose
In sure remembrance: The best sort of those,
That woo thy Mother, watchfull scouts addresse,
Both in the streights of th' Ithacensian Seas,
And dusty Samos; with intent t'inuade
And take thy life, ere thy returne be made.
VVhich yet, I thinke will faile: and some of them
That waste thy fortunes, taste of that extream
They plot for thee. But keepe off farre from shore,
And day and night saile: for, a fore-right blore
VVho euer of th' Immortals, that vow guard
And scape to thy returne, will see prepar'd.
As soone as thou arriu'st, dismisse to Towne
Thy Ship and Men: and first of all, make downe
To him that keepes thy Swine, and doth conceiue
A tender care to see thee well suruiue.
There sleepe; and send him to the Towne, to tell
The chast Penelope, that safe and well
Thou liu'st in his charge; and that Pylos sands
The place contain'd, from whence thy person Lands.
Thy forreigne trauailes; since thy goods are free
For those proud men, that all will eate from thee:
Diuide thy whole possessions, and leaue
Thy too-late presence nothing to receiue.
228
To send thee to thy Natiue seat agen;
VVhile thou mayst yet finde in her honor strong
Thy blamelesse Mother, 'gainst thy Father's wrong.
For both the Father, and the Brothers to
Of thy lou'd Mother, will not suffer so
Extended any more, her widdowes bed;
But make her now, her richest wooer wed,
Eurymachus: who chiefly may augment
Her gifts, and make her ioynture eminent.
And therefore hast thee; least in thy despight,
Thy house stand empty of thy Natiue right.
For well thou know'st what mind a woman beares,
The house of him, who euer she endeares
Her selfe in Nuptials to: she sees encreast,
The yssue of her first lou'd Lord deceast,
Forgotten quite, and neuer thought on more.
In thy returne then, the re-counted store
Thou find'st reseru'd; to thy most trusted Maid
Commit in guard, till heauens pow'rs haue puruaid
A wife in vertue, and in beauties grace
Of fit sort for thee, to supply her place.
And this note more Ile giue thee; which repose
In sure remembrance: The best sort of those,
That woo thy Mother, watchfull scouts addresse,
Both in the streights of th' Ithacensian Seas,
And dusty Samos; with intent t'inuade
And take thy life, ere thy returne be made.
VVhich yet, I thinke will faile: and some of them
That waste thy fortunes, taste of that extream
They plot for thee. But keepe off farre from shore,
And day and night saile: for, a fore-right blore
VVho euer of th' Immortals, that vow guard
And scape to thy returne, will see prepar'd.
As soone as thou arriu'st, dismisse to Towne
Thy Ship and Men: and first of all, make downe
To him that keepes thy Swine, and doth conceiue
A tender care to see thee well suruiue.
There sleepe; and send him to the Towne, to tell
The chast Penelope, that safe and well
Thou liu'st in his charge; and that Pylos sands
The place contain'd, from whence thy person Lands.
Thus she, to large Olympus, made ascent.
VVhen, with his heele, a little touch he lent
To Nestors son; whose sleepes sweet chain's he losde;
Bad rise, and see in Chariot inclosde
Their one-hoou'd horse; yt they might strait bee gone.
VVhen, with his heele, a little touch he lent
To Nestors son; whose sleepes sweet chain's he losde;
Bad rise, and see in Chariot inclosde
Their one-hoou'd horse; yt they might strait bee gone.
No such haste (he replied) night holds her throne,
And dims all way, to course of Chariot.
The Morne will soone get vp. Nor see forgot
The gifts with hast, that will, I know, be rich;
And put into our Coach with gracious speech,
By Lance-fam'd Menelaus. Not a Guest
Shall touch at his house, but shall store his brest
With fit mind of an hospitable man,
To last as long as any daylight can
His eyes re-comfort; in such gifts as he
Will proofes make of his hearty royalty.
229
The Morne will soone get vp. Nor see forgot
The gifts with hast, that will, I know, be rich;
And put into our Coach with gracious speech,
By Lance-fam'd Menelaus. Not a Guest
Shall touch at his house, but shall store his brest
With fit mind of an hospitable man,
To last as long as any daylight can
His eyes re-comfort; in such gifts as he
Will proofes make of his hearty royalty.
He had no sooner said; but vp arose
Aurora, that the Golden hils repose.
And Menelaus (good at martiall cries)
From Hellens bed raisde, to his Guest applies
His first apparance. VVhose repaire made knowne
T'Vlysses lou'd sonne: On, his robe was throwne
About his gracious body: his cloake cast
Athwart his ample shoulders; and in hast
Abroad he went; and did the King accost.
Aurora, that the Golden hils repose.
And Menelaus (good at martiall cries)
From Hellens bed raisde, to his Guest applies
His first apparance. VVhose repaire made knowne
T'Vlysses lou'd sonne: On, his robe was throwne
About his gracious body: his cloake cast
Athwart his ample shoulders; and in hast
Abroad he went; and did the King accost.
Atrides, guarded with heauens deified hoste;
Grant now remission to my Natiue right:
Grant now remission to my Natiue right:
My minde now vrging mine owne houses sight.
Nor will I stay (saide he) thy person long,
Since thy desires to go, are growne so strong.
I should my selfe be angry to sustein
The like detention, vrg'd by other men.
Who loues a guest past Meane, past Meane will hate;
The Meane is in all acts, beares the best estate.
A like ill 'tis, to thrust out such a guest,
As would not go; as to detaine the rest.
VVe should a guest loue, while he loue's to stay,
And when he like's not, giue him louing way.
Yet suffer so, that we may gifts impose
In Coach to thee. Which ere our hands enclose,
Thine eies shall see; lest else, our loues may glose.
Besides, Ile cause our women to prepare
VVhat our house yeelds; and meerely so much fare
As may suffise for health. Both, well will do;
Both for our honor, and our profit to.
And seruing strength with food, you after may
As much earth measure, as wil match the day.
If you will turne your course from sea, and go
Through Greece and Argos: (that my selfe may so
Keepe kinde way with thee) Ile ioyne horse, & guide
T'our humane Cities. Nor vngratifide
VVill any one remit vs: some one thing
VVill each present vs, that along may bring
Our passe with loue; and proue our vertues blaz'd:
A Caldron or a Tripod, richly braz'd.
Two Mules; a bowle of Gold, that hath his price
Heightn'd with Emblemes of some rare deuice.
Nor will I stay (saide he) thy person long,
Since thy desires to go, are growne so strong.
I should my selfe be angry to sustein
The like detention, vrg'd by other men.
Who loues a guest past Meane, past Meane will hate;
The Meane is in all acts, beares the best estate.
A like ill 'tis, to thrust out such a guest,
As would not go; as to detaine the rest.
VVe should a guest loue, while he loue's to stay,
And when he like's not, giue him louing way.
Yet suffer so, that we may gifts impose
In Coach to thee. Which ere our hands enclose,
Thine eies shall see; lest else, our loues may glose.
Besides, Ile cause our women to prepare
VVhat our house yeelds; and meerely so much fare
As may suffise for health. Both, well will do;
Both for our honor, and our profit to.
And seruing strength with food, you after may
As much earth measure, as wil match the day.
If you will turne your course from sea, and go
Through Greece and Argos: (that my selfe may so
Keepe kinde way with thee) Ile ioyne horse, & guide
T'our humane Cities. Nor vngratifide
VVill any one remit vs: some one thing
VVill each present vs, that along may bring
Our passe with loue; and proue our vertues blaz'd:
230
Two Mules; a bowle of Gold, that hath his price
Heightn'd with Emblemes of some rare deuice.
The wise Prince answer'd: I would gladly go
Home, to mine owne; and see that gouern'd so
That I may keepe, what I for certaine hold.
Not hazard that, for onely hop't for Gold:
I left behind me, none, so all wayes fit
To giue it guard; as mine owne trust with it.
Besides, in this broad course which you propose;
My Father seeking; I my selfe may lose.
Home, to mine owne; and see that gouern'd so
That I may keepe, what I for certaine hold.
Not hazard that, for onely hop't for Gold:
I left behind me, none, so all wayes fit
To giue it guard; as mine owne trust with it.
Besides, in this broad course which you propose;
My Father seeking; I my selfe may lose.
VVhen this, the shrill-voic't Menelaus heard;
He charg'd his Queene and Maids, to see prepar'd
Breakfast, of what the whole house held for best.
To him, rose Eteoneus from his rest;
VVhose dwelling was not farre off from the Court;
And his attendance, his command did sort,
VVith kindling fires, and furth'ring all the rost,
In act of whose charge heard, no time he lost.
He charg'd his Queene and Maids, to see prepar'd
Breakfast, of what the whole house held for best.
To him, rose Eteoneus from his rest;
VVhose dwelling was not farre off from the Court;
And his attendance, his command did sort,
VVith kindling fires, and furth'ring all the rost,
In act of whose charge heard, no time he lost.
Himselfe then, to an odorous roome descended,
VVhom Megapenthe, and his Queene attended.
Come to his treasury; a two-ear'd cup
He chusde of all, and made his Sonne beare vp
A Siluer bowle. The Queene then taking stand
Aside her Chist; where (by her owne faire hand
Lay Vests, of all hues wrought) She tooke out one
Most large, most Artfull: chiefly faire; and shone
Like to a Star; and lay of al, the last.
VVhom Megapenthe, and his Queene attended.
Come to his treasury; a two-ear'd cup
He chusde of all, and made his Sonne beare vp
A Siluer bowle. The Queene then taking stand
Aside her Chist; where (by her owne faire hand
Lay Vests, of all hues wrought) She tooke out one
Most large, most Artfull: chiefly faire; and shone
Like to a Star; and lay of al, the last.
Then through the house, with eithers gift they past;
VVhen to Vlysses sonne, Atrides said:
VVhen to Vlysses sonne, Atrides said:
Telemachus: since so entirely swaid
Thy thoghts are, with thy vow'd return, now tender'd;
May Iuno's thundring husband, see it render'd
Perfect at all parts; action answering thought.
Of all the rich gifts, in my treasure, sought
I giue thee heere, the most in grace, and best.
A Bowle, but Siluer; yet the brims comprest
With Gold; whose fabricke his desert doth bring
From Vulcans hand. Presented by the King
And great Heroe of Sydonia's State;
VVhen at our parting he did consummate
His whole house keeping. This do thou command.
Thy thoghts are, with thy vow'd return, now tender'd;
May Iuno's thundring husband, see it render'd
Perfect at all parts; action answering thought.
Of all the rich gifts, in my treasure, sought
I giue thee heere, the most in grace, and best.
A Bowle, but Siluer; yet the brims comprest
With Gold; whose fabricke his desert doth bring
From Vulcans hand. Presented by the King
And great Heroe of Sydonia's State;
VVhen at our parting he did consummate
His whole house keeping. This do thou command.
This said; he put the round Bowle in his hand;
And then, his strong son Megapenthe plac't
The Siluer cup before him; amply grac't
VVith worke, and luster. Hellen (standing by;
And in her hand, the Robe, her huswifery)
His name remembring, said: And I present
(Lou'd sonne) this gift to thee; the Monument
Of the so-many-loued Hellens hands:
VVhich, at the knitting of thy Nuptiall bands
Present thy wife. In meane space, may it ly
By thy lou'd Mother; but to me apply
Thy pleasure in it. And thus, take thy way
To thy faire house, and Countries wished stay.
Thus gaue she to his hands, the veile; and he,
The acceptation author'd ioyfully.
Which in the Chariots Chist, Pisistratus
Plac't with the rest, and held miraculous.
And then, his strong son Megapenthe plac't
The Siluer cup before him; amply grac't
VVith worke, and luster. Hellen (standing by;
And in her hand, the Robe, her huswifery)
His name remembring, said: And I present
231
Of the so-many-loued Hellens hands:
VVhich, at the knitting of thy Nuptiall bands
Present thy wife. In meane space, may it ly
By thy lou'd Mother; but to me apply
Thy pleasure in it. And thus, take thy way
To thy faire house, and Countries wished stay.
Thus gaue she to his hands, the veile; and he,
The acceptation author'd ioyfully.
Which in the Chariots Chist, Pisistratus
Plac't with the rest, and held miraculous.
The yellow-headed King then, led them all,
To seates and Thrones plac't, in his spacious Hall.
The Hand-maid, water brought, and gaue it stream
From out a faire and golden Ewre to them.
From whose hands, to a siluer Caldron, fled
The troubl'd waue. A bright boord then she spred:
On which, another reuerend Dame set bread:
To which, more seruants, store of victuals seru'd.
Eteonæus was the man that keru'd;
And Megapenthe fil'd them all their wine.
All fed, and dranke; till all felt care decline
For those refreshings. Both the Guests did go
To horse, and coach; and forth the Portico
A little issu'd: When the yellow King
Brought wine himselfe: that, with an Offering
To all the Gods, they might their iourney take.
He stood before the Gods; and thus be spake.
To seates and Thrones plac't, in his spacious Hall.
The Hand-maid, water brought, and gaue it stream
From out a faire and golden Ewre to them.
From whose hands, to a siluer Caldron, fled
The troubl'd waue. A bright boord then she spred:
On which, another reuerend Dame set bread:
To which, more seruants, store of victuals seru'd.
Eteonæus was the man that keru'd;
And Megapenthe fil'd them all their wine.
All fed, and dranke; till all felt care decline
For those refreshings. Both the Guests did go
To horse, and coach; and forth the Portico
A little issu'd: When the yellow King
Brought wine himselfe: that, with an Offering
To all the Gods, they might their iourney take.
He stood before the Gods; and thus be spake.
Farewell yong Princes: to graue Nestors eare
This salutation from my gratitude beare:
That I professe in all our Ilion warres
He stood, a carefull Father to my cares.
This salutation from my gratitude beare:
That I professe in all our Ilion warres
He stood, a carefull Father to my cares.
To him the wise Vlyssides replied:
VVith all our vtmost shall be signified
(Ioue-kept Atrides) your right royall will:
And would to God, I could as wel fulfill
Mine owne mindes gratitude, for your free grace;
In telling to Vlysses, in the place
Of my returne; in what accomplish't kind
I haue obtain'd the office of a friend
At your deseruings: whose faire end you crowne
With gifts so many; and of such renowne.
VVith all our vtmost shall be signified
(Ioue-kept Atrides) your right royall will:
And would to God, I could as wel fulfill
Mine owne mindes gratitude, for your free grace;
In telling to Vlysses, in the place
Of my returne; in what accomplish't kind
I haue obtain'd the office of a friend
At your deseruings: whose faire end you crowne
With gifts so many; and of such renowne.
His wish, that he might finde in his retreat
His Father safe return'd (to so repeat
The Kings loue to him) was saluted thus;
An Eagle rose; and in her Seres did trusse
A Goose, all white, & huge: A houshold one,
VVhich, men and women (crying out vpon)
Pursu'd: but she (being neere the guests) her flight
Made on their right hand; and kept still fore-right
Before their horses: which obseru'd by them,
The spirits in all their minds tooke ioyes extream;
VVhich Nestors son thus question'd: Ioue-kept King,
Yeild your graue thoughts, if this ostentfull thing
(This Eagle, and this Goose) touch vs, or you?
His Father safe return'd (to so repeat
The Kings loue to him) was saluted thus;
An Eagle rose; and in her Seres did trusse
A Goose, all white, & huge: A houshold one,
VVhich, men and women (crying out vpon)
232
Made on their right hand; and kept still fore-right
Before their horses: which obseru'd by them,
The spirits in all their minds tooke ioyes extream;
VVhich Nestors son thus question'd: Ioue-kept King,
Yeild your graue thoughts, if this ostentfull thing
(This Eagle, and this Goose) touch vs, or you?
He put to study, and not knowing how
To giue fit answer; Hellen tooke on her
Th' ostents solution, and did this prefer.
To giue fit answer; Hellen tooke on her
Th' ostents solution, and did this prefer.
Heare me, and I will play the Prophets part,
As the immortals cast it in my heart;
And (as I thinke) will make the true sense knowne:
As this Ioues Bird, from out the Mountaines flowne
(Where was her Arie; and whence rose her race)
Trust vp this Goose, that from the house did grase;
So shall Vlysses (coming from the wilde
Of Seas and sufferings) reach, vnreconcil'd
His Natiue home: where euen this houre he is:
And on those house-fed woo'rs, those wrongs of his,
VVill shortly wreake, with all their miseries.
As the immortals cast it in my heart;
And (as I thinke) will make the true sense knowne:
As this Ioues Bird, from out the Mountaines flowne
(Where was her Arie; and whence rose her race)
Trust vp this Goose, that from the house did grase;
So shall Vlysses (coming from the wilde
Of Seas and sufferings) reach, vnreconcil'd
His Natiue home: where euen this houre he is:
And on those house-fed woo'rs, those wrongs of his,
VVill shortly wreake, with all their miseries.
O (said Telemachus) if Saturnian Ioue,
To my desires, thy deare presage approue;
VVhen I arriue, I will performe to thee
My daily vowes, as to a Deity.
To my desires, thy deare presage approue;
VVhen I arriue, I will performe to thee
My daily vowes, as to a Deity.
This said; he vsde his scourge vppon the horse,
That through the City freely made their course
To Field; and all day, made that first speed, good.
But when the Sun-set, and Obscurenes stood
In each mans way; they ended their accesse
At Pheras, in the house of Diocles,
Sonne to Orsilochus, Alpheus seede;
VVho gaue them guest-rites: and sleeps naturall need
They that night seru'd there. VVhen Aurora rose,
They ioyn'd their horse: tooke coach, and did dispose
Their course for Pylos; whose high City soon
They reach't. Nor would Telemachus be woon
To Nestors house: and therefore order'd thus
His speech to Nestors son, Pisistratus;
That through the City freely made their course
To Field; and all day, made that first speed, good.
But when the Sun-set, and Obscurenes stood
In each mans way; they ended their accesse
At Pheras, in the house of Diocles,
Sonne to Orsilochus, Alpheus seede;
VVho gaue them guest-rites: and sleeps naturall need
They that night seru'd there. VVhen Aurora rose,
They ioyn'd their horse: tooke coach, and did dispose
Their course for Pylos; whose high City soon
They reach't. Nor would Telemachus be woon
To Nestors house: and therefore order'd thus
His speech to Nestors son, Pisistratus;
How shall I win thy promise to a grace
That I must aske of thee? we both imbrace
The names of Bed-fellowes; and in that name
VVill glory as an Adiunct of our fame:
Our Fathers friendship: our owne equall age;
And our ioynt trauaile, may the more engage
Our mutuall concord. Do not then assay
(My God-lou'd friend) to leade me from my way,
To my neere Ship; but take a course direct
And leaue me there; least thy old Sires respect
In his desire to loue me) hinder so
My way for home, that haue such need to go.
That I must aske of thee? we both imbrace
The names of Bed-fellowes; and in that name
VVill glory as an Adiunct of our fame:
Our Fathers friendship: our owne equall age;
And our ioynt trauaile, may the more engage
Our mutuall concord. Do not then assay
(My God-lou'd friend) to leade me from my way,
To my neere Ship; but take a course direct
233
In his desire to loue me) hinder so
My way for home, that haue such need to go.
This said; Nestorides held all discourse
In his kinde soule, how best he might enforce
Both promise and performance; which, at last
He vow'd to venture; and directly cast
His horse about, to fetch the Ship and Shore.
Where, come: His frends most louely gifts, he bore
Aboord the Ship; and in her hin-deck plac't
The vaile that Hellens curious hand had grac't;
And Menelaus Gold: and said, Away;
Nor let thy men, in any least date, stay:
But quite put off, ere I get home, and tell
The old Duke, you are past: for passing well
I know his minde, to so exceed all force
Of any pray'r; That he will stay your course:
Himselfe make hither, All your course call backe;
And when he hath you, haue no thought to racke
Him from his bounty; and to let you part
VVithout a Present: but be vext at heart
With both our pleadings; if we once but moue
The least repression of his fiery loue.
In his kinde soule, how best he might enforce
Both promise and performance; which, at last
He vow'd to venture; and directly cast
His horse about, to fetch the Ship and Shore.
Where, come: His frends most louely gifts, he bore
Aboord the Ship; and in her hin-deck plac't
The vaile that Hellens curious hand had grac't;
And Menelaus Gold: and said, Away;
Nor let thy men, in any least date, stay:
But quite put off, ere I get home, and tell
The old Duke, you are past: for passing well
I know his minde, to so exceed all force
Of any pray'r; That he will stay your course:
Himselfe make hither, All your course call backe;
And when he hath you, haue no thought to racke
Him from his bounty; and to let you part
VVithout a Present: but be vext at heart
With both our pleadings; if we once but moue
The least repression of his fiery loue.
Thus took he coach: his faire-man'd steeds scourg'd on
Along the Pylian City: and anon
His Fathers Court reacht. VVhile Vlysses Sonne
Bad boord, and arme; which with a thought was done.
Along the Pylian City: and anon
His Fathers Court reacht. VVhile Vlysses Sonne
Bad boord, and arme; which with a thought was done.
His Rowers set, and he rich Odors firing
In his hin-decke; for his secure retiring
To great Athenia: To his Ship came flying
A Stranger, and a Prophet; as relying
On wished passage: hauing newly slaine
A man at Argos: yet his Races vaine
Flow'd from Melampus; who in former date
In Pylos liu'd, and had a huge estate.
But fled his countrey; and the punishing hand
Of great-soul'd Neleus, in a forreigne Land
From that most famous Mortall; hauing held
A world of riches: nor could be compeld
To render restitution in a yeare.
In meane space, liuing as close prisoner
In Court of Phylacus: and for the sake
Of Neleus daughter, mighty cares did take;
Together with a greeuous Languor sent
From graue Erynnis, that did much torment
His vexed conscience; yet his lifes expence
He scapt, and draue the loud-voic't Oxen thence,
To breed-sheepe Pylos; bringing vengeance thus
Her foule demerit, to great Neleus;
And to his Brothers house reduc't his wife:
Who yet from Pylos, did remoue his life
For feed-horse Argos; where his Fate set downe
A dwelling for him: and in much renowne
Made gouerne many Argiues: where, a Spouse
He tooke to him, and built a famous house.
There had he borne to him Antiphates,
And forcefull Mantius. To the first of these
VVas great Oiclæus borne: Oiclæus gate
Amphiaraus, that the popular State
Had all their health in: whom, euen from his heart
Ioue lou'd; and Phœbus in the whole desert
Of friendship hel'd him. Yet not blest so much
That Ages threshold, he did euer touch:
But lost his life, by Female bribery.
Yet two sonnes author'd his posterity;
Alcinaon, and renown'd Amphilochus.
Mantius had yssue; Polyphidius,
And Clytus: But Aurora rauish't him,
For excellence of his admired lim;
And interested him amongst the Gods.
His Brother knew, mens good and bad abods
The best of all men; after the decease
Of him that perish't in vnnaturall peace
At spacious Thebes. Apollo did inspire
His knowing soule with a Propheticke fire.
VVho (angry with his Father) tooke his way
To Hyperesia; where (making stay)
He prophesied to all men; and had there
A Sonne call'd Theoclymenus; who here
Came to Telemachus; and found abord
Himselfe at Sacrifice; whom in a word
He thus saluted: O Friend, since I finde
Euen heere at Ship, a sacrificing minde
Informe your actions: By your sacrifice;
And by that worthy choise of Deities,
To whom you offer: by your selfe, and all,
These men that serue your course maritimall;
Tell one that askes, the truth: Nor giue it glose,
Both who, and whence you are? From what seed rose
Your royall person? And what Cities Tow'rs
Hold habitation, to your parents pow'rs?
In his hin-decke; for his secure retiring
To great Athenia: To his Ship came flying
A Stranger, and a Prophet; as relying
On wished passage: hauing newly slaine
A man at Argos: yet his Races vaine
Flow'd from Melampus; who in former date
In Pylos liu'd, and had a huge estate.
But fled his countrey; and the punishing hand
Of great-soul'd Neleus, in a forreigne Land
From that most famous Mortall; hauing held
A world of riches: nor could be compeld
To render restitution in a yeare.
In meane space, liuing as close prisoner
In Court of Phylacus: and for the sake
Of Neleus daughter, mighty cares did take;
Together with a greeuous Languor sent
From graue Erynnis, that did much torment
His vexed conscience; yet his lifes expence
He scapt, and draue the loud-voic't Oxen thence,
To breed-sheepe Pylos; bringing vengeance thus
234
And to his Brothers house reduc't his wife:
Who yet from Pylos, did remoue his life
For feed-horse Argos; where his Fate set downe
A dwelling for him: and in much renowne
Made gouerne many Argiues: where, a Spouse
He tooke to him, and built a famous house.
There had he borne to him Antiphates,
And forcefull Mantius. To the first of these
VVas great Oiclæus borne: Oiclæus gate
Amphiaraus, that the popular State
Had all their health in: whom, euen from his heart
Ioue lou'd; and Phœbus in the whole desert
Of friendship hel'd him. Yet not blest so much
That Ages threshold, he did euer touch:
But lost his life, by Female bribery.
Yet two sonnes author'd his posterity;
Alcinaon, and renown'd Amphilochus.
Mantius had yssue; Polyphidius,
And Clytus: But Aurora rauish't him,
For excellence of his admired lim;
And interested him amongst the Gods.
His Brother knew, mens good and bad abods
The best of all men; after the decease
Of him that perish't in vnnaturall peace
At spacious Thebes. Apollo did inspire
His knowing soule with a Propheticke fire.
VVho (angry with his Father) tooke his way
To Hyperesia; where (making stay)
He prophesied to all men; and had there
A Sonne call'd Theoclymenus; who here
Came to Telemachus; and found abord
Himselfe at Sacrifice; whom in a word
He thus saluted: O Friend, since I finde
Euen heere at Ship, a sacrificing minde
Informe your actions: By your sacrifice;
And by that worthy choise of Deities,
To whom you offer: by your selfe, and all,
These men that serue your course maritimall;
Tell one that askes, the truth: Nor giue it glose,
Both who, and whence you are? From what seed rose
Your royall person? And what Cities Tow'rs
Hold habitation, to your parents pow'rs?
He answer'd: Stranger! The sure truth is this;
I am of Ithaca; my Father is
(Or was) Vlysses: but austere death, now
Takes his state from him; whose euent to know,
(Himselfe being long away) I set forth thus
With ship and souldiers: Theoclymenus,
As freely said; And I to thee am fled
From forth my country; for a man strooke dead
By my vnhappy hand: who was with me
Of one selfe-Tribe; and of his pedigree
Are many Friends and Brothers: and the sway
Of Achiue Kindred, reacheth farre away.
From whom (because I feare their spleenes suborne
Blood, and blacke fate against me (being borne
To be a wandrer among forreigne men)
Make thy faire ship, my rescue; and sustein
My life from slaughter. Thy deseruings may
Performe that mercy: and to them I pray.
I am of Ithaca; my Father is
(Or was) Vlysses: but austere death, now
Takes his state from him; whose euent to know,
(Himselfe being long away) I set forth thus
235
As freely said; And I to thee am fled
From forth my country; for a man strooke dead
By my vnhappy hand: who was with me
Of one selfe-Tribe; and of his pedigree
Are many Friends and Brothers: and the sway
Of Achiue Kindred, reacheth farre away.
From whom (because I feare their spleenes suborne
Blood, and blacke fate against me (being borne
To be a wandrer among forreigne men)
Make thy faire ship, my rescue; and sustein
My life from slaughter. Thy deseruings may
Performe that mercy: and to them I pray.
Nor will I barre (said he) thy will to make
My meanes and equall ship, thy ayde: but take
(With what wee haue heere, in all friendly vse)
Thy life from any violence that pursues.
My meanes and equall ship, thy ayde: but take
(With what wee haue heere, in all friendly vse)
Thy life from any violence that pursues.
Thus tooke he in, his Lance; and it extended
Aloft the hatches; which himselfe ascended.
The Prince tooke seate at Sterne: on his right hand,
Set Theoclymenus; and gaue command
To all his men, to arme; and fee made fast
Amidst the hollow Keele, the Beechen Mast
VVith able halsers; hoise saile, lanch: which soone
He saw obay'd. And then his Ship did runne
A merry course: Blew-ey'd Minerua sent
A fore-right gale; tumultuous, vehement,
Along the aire; that her waies vtmost yeeld
The ship might make, and plough the brackish field.
Aloft the hatches; which himselfe ascended.
The Prince tooke seate at Sterne: on his right hand,
Set Theoclymenus; and gaue command
To all his men, to arme; and fee made fast
Amidst the hollow Keele, the Beechen Mast
VVith able halsers; hoise saile, lanch: which soone
He saw obay'd. And then his Ship did runne
A merry course: Blew-ey'd Minerua sent
A fore-right gale; tumultuous, vehement,
Along the aire; that her waies vtmost yeeld
The ship might make, and plough the brackish field.
Then set the Sun, and Night black't all the waies.
The ship (with Ioues wind wing'd) wher th' Epian swaies
Fetcht Pheras first: then Elis, the diuine;
And then for those Isles made, that Sea-ward shine,
For forme and sharpnesse, like a Lances head.
About which, lay the wooers ambushed.
On which he rush't, to try if he could scape
His plotted death; or serue Her treacherous Rape.
The ship (with Ioues wind wing'd) wher th' Epian swaies
Fetcht Pheras first: then Elis, the diuine;
And then for those Isles made, that Sea-ward shine,
For forme and sharpnesse, like a Lances head.
About which, lay the wooers ambushed.
On which he rush't, to try if he could scape
His plotted death; or serue Her treacherous Rape.
And now returne we to Eumæus Shed;
VVhere (at their foode with others marshalled)
Vlysses, and his noble Herdsman sate;
To try if whose loues curious estate
Stood firme to his abode, or felt it fade;
And so would take each best cause to perswade
His Guest to Towne; Vlysses thus contends:
VVhere (at their foode with others marshalled)
Vlysses, and his noble Herdsman sate;
To try if whose loues curious estate
Stood firme to his abode, or felt it fade;
And so would take each best cause to perswade
His Guest to Towne; Vlysses thus contends:
Heare me, Eumæus, and ye other Friends.
Next Morne, to Towne I couet to be gone,
To beg some others almes; not still charge one.
Aduise me well then; and as well prouide
I may be fitted with an honest guide.
For through the streets (since Need will haue it so)
Ile tread, to try if any will bestow
A dish of drinke on me, or bit of bread,
Till to Vlysses house I may be led.
And there Ile tell all-wise Penelope, newes:
Mix with the wooers pride; and (since they vse
To fare aboue the full) their hands excite
To some small Feast, from out their infinite:
For which, Ile waite, and play the Seruingman,
Fairely enough; command the most they can.
For I will tell thee; note me well, and heare,
That if the will be of heauens Messenger,
(VVho to the workes of men, of any sort
Can grace infuse, and glory) nothing short
Am I of him, that doth to most aspire
In any seruice: as to builde a Fire,
To cleaue sere wood: to roast, or boile their meat;
To waite at boord, mixe wine, or know the Neate;
Or any worke, in which the poore-cal'd worst,
To serue the rich-cal'd best, in Fate are forc't.
Next Morne, to Towne I couet to be gone,
To beg some others almes; not still charge one.
Aduise me well then; and as well prouide
236
For through the streets (since Need will haue it so)
Ile tread, to try if any will bestow
A dish of drinke on me, or bit of bread,
Till to Vlysses house I may be led.
And there Ile tell all-wise Penelope, newes:
Mix with the wooers pride; and (since they vse
To fare aboue the full) their hands excite
To some small Feast, from out their infinite:
For which, Ile waite, and play the Seruingman,
Fairely enough; command the most they can.
For I will tell thee; note me well, and heare,
That if the will be of heauens Messenger,
(VVho to the workes of men, of any sort
Can grace infuse, and glory) nothing short
Am I of him, that doth to most aspire
In any seruice: as to builde a Fire,
To cleaue sere wood: to roast, or boile their meat;
To waite at boord, mixe wine, or know the Neate;
Or any worke, in which the poore-cal'd worst,
To serue the rich-cal'd best, in Fate are forc't.
He, angry with him, said; Alas poore Guest,
VVhy did this counsaile euer touch thy brest?
Thou seek'st thy vtter spoyle beyond all doubt,
If thou giu'st venture on the Wooers rout:
VVhose wrong and force, affects the Iron heauen.
Their light delights, are farre from being giuen
To such graue Seruitors. Youths richly trick't
In coats or Cassocks; Lockes diuinely slickt,
And lookes most rapting; euer haue the gift
To taste their crown'd cups, land full Trenchers shift.
Their Tables euer like their Glasses shine;
Loaded with bread, with varied flesh, and wine.
And thou? go thither? Stay: for heere do none
Grudge at thy presence: nor my selfe, nor one
Of all I feed. But when Vlysses sonne
Againe shall greet vs, he shall put thee on
Both coat and cassocke; and thy quicke retreat
Set, where thy heart and soule desire thy seat.
VVhy did this counsaile euer touch thy brest?
Thou seek'st thy vtter spoyle beyond all doubt,
If thou giu'st venture on the Wooers rout:
VVhose wrong and force, affects the Iron heauen.
Their light delights, are farre from being giuen
To such graue Seruitors. Youths richly trick't
In coats or Cassocks; Lockes diuinely slickt,
And lookes most rapting; euer haue the gift
To taste their crown'd cups, land full Trenchers shift.
Their Tables euer like their Glasses shine;
Loaded with bread, with varied flesh, and wine.
And thou? go thither? Stay: for heere do none
Grudge at thy presence: nor my selfe, nor one
Of all I feed. But when Vlysses sonne
Againe shall greet vs, he shall put thee on
Both coat and cassocke; and thy quicke retreat
Set, where thy heart and soule desire thy seat.
Industrious Vlysses, gaue reply:
I still much wish, that heauens chiefe Deity
Lou'd thee, as I do; that hast easde my minde
Of woes and wandrings, neuer yet confin'de.
Nought is more wretched in a humane Race,
Then Countries want, and shift from place to place.
But for the banefull belly, men take care
Beyond good counsaile: whosoeuer are
In compasse of the wants it vndergoes,
By wandrings losses, or dependant woes.
Excuse me therefore, if I err'd at home:
VVhich since thou wilt make heere (as ouercome
VVith thy command for stay) Ile take on me
Cares appertaining to this place, like thee.
Does then Vlysses Sire, and Mother breath?
Both whom he left, in th' age next doore to death?
Or are they breathlesse, and descended where
The darke house is, that neuer day doth cleere?
I still much wish, that heauens chiefe Deity
Lou'd thee, as I do; that hast easde my minde
Of woes and wandrings, neuer yet confin'de.
Nought is more wretched in a humane Race,
Then Countries want, and shift from place to place.
But for the banefull belly, men take care
Beyond good counsaile: whosoeuer are
In compasse of the wants it vndergoes,
237
Excuse me therefore, if I err'd at home:
VVhich since thou wilt make heere (as ouercome
VVith thy command for stay) Ile take on me
Cares appertaining to this place, like thee.
Does then Vlysses Sire, and Mother breath?
Both whom he left, in th' age next doore to death?
Or are they breathlesse, and descended where
The darke house is, that neuer day doth cleere?
Laertes liues (saide he) but euery howre
Beseecheth Ioue to take from him the powre
That ioynes his life and limbes: for with a mone
That breeds a meruaile, he laments his sonne
Depriu'd by death. And addes to that, another
Of no lesse depth; for that dead sonnes dead Mother:
VVhom he a Virgin wedded: which the more
Makes him lament her losse; and doth deplore
Yet more her misse, because her wombe the truer
Was to his braue sonne; and his slaughter slue her.
VVhich last loue to her, doth his life engage,
And makes him liue an vndigested age.
O! such a death she died, as neuer may
Seize any one, that heere beholds the day;
That either is to any man, a friend,
Or can a woman kill in such a kind.
As long as she had Being, I would be
A still Inquirer (since t'was deere to me,
Though death to her, to heare his name) when she
Heard of Vlysses: for I might be bold;
She brought me vp, and in her loue did hold
My life, compar'd with long-vail'd Ctimie,
Her yongest yssue (in some small degree
Her daughter yet prefer'd) a braue yong Dame.
But when of youth the dearely loued Flame
VVas lighted in vs; marriage did prefer
The maide to Samos; whence was sent for her
Infinite riches: when, the Queene bestow'd
A faire new suite, new shooes, and all; and vow'd
Me to the field. But passing loth to part,
As louing me, more then she lou'd her hart.
And these I want now; but their businesse growes
Vpon me daily. Which the Gods impose,
To whom I hold all; giue account to them,
For I see none, left to the Diadem,
That may dispose all better. So, I drinke
And eate of what is heere; and whom I think
VVorthy or reuerend, I haue giuen to still
These kinds of Guest-rites: for the houshold ill
(VVhich where the Queene is, ryots) takes her stil
From thought of these things. Nor is it delight
To heare from her plight; of or worke, or word;
The woo'rs spoyle all. But yet my men, will bord
Her sorrowes often, with discourse of all:
Eating and drinking of the Festiuall
That there is kept; and after bring to field
Such things as seruants make their pleasures yield.
Beseecheth Ioue to take from him the powre
That ioynes his life and limbes: for with a mone
That breeds a meruaile, he laments his sonne
Depriu'd by death. And addes to that, another
Of no lesse depth; for that dead sonnes dead Mother:
VVhom he a Virgin wedded: which the more
Makes him lament her losse; and doth deplore
Yet more her misse, because her wombe the truer
Was to his braue sonne; and his slaughter slue her.
VVhich last loue to her, doth his life engage,
And makes him liue an vndigested age.
O! such a death she died, as neuer may
Seize any one, that heere beholds the day;
That either is to any man, a friend,
Or can a woman kill in such a kind.
As long as she had Being, I would be
A still Inquirer (since t'was deere to me,
Though death to her, to heare his name) when she
Heard of Vlysses: for I might be bold;
She brought me vp, and in her loue did hold
My life, compar'd with long-vail'd Ctimie,
Her yongest yssue (in some small degree
Her daughter yet prefer'd) a braue yong Dame.
But when of youth the dearely loued Flame
VVas lighted in vs; marriage did prefer
The maide to Samos; whence was sent for her
Infinite riches: when, the Queene bestow'd
A faire new suite, new shooes, and all; and vow'd
Me to the field. But passing loth to part,
As louing me, more then she lou'd her hart.
And these I want now; but their businesse growes
Vpon me daily. Which the Gods impose,
To whom I hold all; giue account to them,
For I see none, left to the Diadem,
That may dispose all better. So, I drinke
And eate of what is heere; and whom I think
VVorthy or reuerend, I haue giuen to still
These kinds of Guest-rites: for the houshold ill
238
From thought of these things. Nor is it delight
To heare from her plight; of or worke, or word;
The woo'rs spoyle all. But yet my men, will bord
Her sorrowes often, with discourse of all:
Eating and drinking of the Festiuall
That there is kept; and after bring to field
Such things as seruants make their pleasures yield.
O me (Eumæus) saide Laertes sonne,
Hast thou then err'd so, of a little one?
(Like me?) From friends, and country? pray thee say,
(And say a Truth) doth vast Destruction lay
Her hand vpon the wide-way'd Seat of men?
VVhere dwelt thy Sire, and reuerend Mother then?
That thou art spar'd there? Or else, set alone
In guard of Beeues, or Sheepe: Set th' enemy on;
Surprisde, and Shipt? transfer'd, and sold thee heere?
He that bought thee, paid well; yet bought not deere.
Hast thou then err'd so, of a little one?
(Like me?) From friends, and country? pray thee say,
(And say a Truth) doth vast Destruction lay
Her hand vpon the wide-way'd Seat of men?
VVhere dwelt thy Sire, and reuerend Mother then?
That thou art spar'd there? Or else, set alone
In guard of Beeues, or Sheepe: Set th' enemy on;
Surprisde, and Shipt? transfer'd, and sold thee heere?
He that bought thee, paid well; yet bought not deere.
Since thou enquir'st of that, my guest (said he)
Heare and be silent: and meane space, sit free
In vse of these cups, to thy most delights;
Heare and be silent: and meane space, sit free
In vse of these cups, to thy most delights;
Vspeakable, in length now, are the Nights.
Those that affect sleepe yet; to sleepe haue leaue;
Those that affect to heare, their hearers giue.
But sleep not ere your houre; Much sleep doth grieue.
VVho euer lists to sleepe; Away to bed:
Together with the morning raise his head:
Together with his fellowes, breake his fast;
And then, his Lords Herd, driue to their repast.
VVe two, still in our Tabernacle heere,
Drinking & eating; will our bosomes cheere
VVith memories, and tales of our annoyes.
Betwixt his sorrowes, euery Humane ioyes.
He most, who most hath felt, and furthest err'd:
And now thy wil; to act, shall be preferr'd.
Those that affect sleepe yet; to sleepe haue leaue;
Those that affect to heare, their hearers giue.
But sleep not ere your houre; Much sleep doth grieue.
VVho euer lists to sleepe; Away to bed:
Together with the morning raise his head:
Together with his fellowes, breake his fast;
And then, his Lords Herd, driue to their repast.
VVe two, still in our Tabernacle heere,
Drinking & eating; will our bosomes cheere
VVith memories, and tales of our annoyes.
Betwixt his sorrowes, euery Humane ioyes.
He most, who most hath felt, and furthest err'd:
And now thy wil; to act, shall be preferr'd.
There is an Isle aboue Ortygia
(If thou hast heard) they call it Syria;
VVhere, once a day, the Sun moues backwards still.
Tis not so great as good; for it doth fill
The fields with Oxen; fils them still with Sheepe;
Fils roofes with wine, & makes al Come there cheap:
No Dearth comes euer there; nor no Disease,
That doth, with hate, vs wretched mortals sease.
But when mens varied Nations, dwelling there
In any City, enter th' aged yeare:
The Siluer-bow-bearer (the Sun) and she,
That beares as much renowne for Archery;
Stoop with their painles shafts, & strike them dead,
As one would sleepe, and neuer keepe the bed.
In this Isle stand two Cities: betwixt whome
All things, that of the soiles fertility come,
In two parts are diuided. And both these,
My Father ruld; (Ctesius Ormenides)
A man, like the immortals. With these States,
The crosse-biting Phænissians, traffick't rates
Of infinit Merchandize, in ships brought there;
In which, they then, were held exempt from pere.
(If thou hast heard) they call it Syria;
VVhere, once a day, the Sun moues backwards still.
Tis not so great as good; for it doth fill
The fields with Oxen; fils them still with Sheepe;
Fils roofes with wine, & makes al Come there cheap:
No Dearth comes euer there; nor no Disease,
That doth, with hate, vs wretched mortals sease.
But when mens varied Nations, dwelling there
In any City, enter th' aged yeare:
The Siluer-bow-bearer (the Sun) and she,
That beares as much renowne for Archery;
Stoop with their painles shafts, & strike them dead,
239
In this Isle stand two Cities: betwixt whome
All things, that of the soiles fertility come,
In two parts are diuided. And both these,
My Father ruld; (Ctesius Ormenides)
A man, like the immortals. With these States,
The crosse-biting Phænissians, traffick't rates
Of infinit Merchandize, in ships brought there;
In which, they then, were held exempt from pere.
There dwelt within my Fathers house, a Dame
Borne a Phænissian; skilfull in the frame
Of Noble Huswiferies; right tall, and faire.
Her, the Phænissian great-wench-net-lai're,
With sweet words circumuented, as she was
VVashing her Linnen. To his amorous passe
He brought her first, shor'd from his Ship to her;
To whom he did his whole life's loue prefer;
Which, of these brest-exposing Dames, the harts
Deceiues; though fashion'd of right honest parts.
He askt her after, VVhat she was? and whence?
She passing presently, the excellence
Told of her Fathers Turrets; and that she
Might boast her selfe, sprung from the Progeny
Of the rich Sydons: and the daughter was
Of the much-yeare-reuennew'd Arybas.
But, that the Taphian Pirats, made her prize,
As she return'd from her field-huswiferies:
Transfer'd her hither; and at that mans house
VVhere now she liu'd; for value precious
Sold her to th' Owner. He that stole her loue,
Bad her againe, to her births seate remoue,
To see the faire roofes of her friends againe;
Who still held state, and did the port maintaine,
Her selfe reported. She said, Be it so;
So you, and al that in your ship shall roe,
Sweare to returne me, in all safety hence.
Borne a Phænissian; skilfull in the frame
Of Noble Huswiferies; right tall, and faire.
Her, the Phænissian great-wench-net-lai're,
With sweet words circumuented, as she was
VVashing her Linnen. To his amorous passe
He brought her first, shor'd from his Ship to her;
To whom he did his whole life's loue prefer;
Which, of these brest-exposing Dames, the harts
Deceiues; though fashion'd of right honest parts.
He askt her after, VVhat she was? and whence?
She passing presently, the excellence
Told of her Fathers Turrets; and that she
Might boast her selfe, sprung from the Progeny
Of the rich Sydons: and the daughter was
Of the much-yeare-reuennew'd Arybas.
But, that the Taphian Pirats, made her prize,
As she return'd from her field-huswiferies:
Transfer'd her hither; and at that mans house
VVhere now she liu'd; for value precious
Sold her to th' Owner. He that stole her loue,
Bad her againe, to her births seate remoue,
To see the faire roofes of her friends againe;
Who still held state, and did the port maintaine,
Her selfe reported. She said, Be it so;
So you, and al that in your ship shall roe,
Sweare to returne me, in all safety hence.
All swore; th' Oath past, with euery consequence:
She bad, Be silent now; and not a word
Do you, or any of your friends afford,
Meeting me afterward in any way;
Or at the washing Fount; lest some display
Be made, and told the old man: and he then
Keepe me streight bound: To you, and to your men
The vtter ruine, plotting of your liues.
Keepe in firme thought then, euery word that striues
For dangerous vtterance: Haste your ships ful freight
Of what you Trafficke for; and let me streight
Know by some sent friend: She hath all in hold,
And (with my selfe) Ile bring thence all the gold
I can by all meanes finger: and beside,
Ile do my best, to see your freight supplide
VVith some wel-weighing burthen of mine owne.
For I bring vp, in house, a great mans sonne,
As crafty as my selfe; who will with me
Run euery way along; and I will be
His Leader, till your Ship hath made him sure.
He will an infinite great price procure
Transfer him to what languag'd men ye may.
She bad, Be silent now; and not a word
Do you, or any of your friends afford,
Meeting me afterward in any way;
Or at the washing Fount; lest some display
Be made, and told the old man: and he then
Keepe me streight bound: To you, and to your men
The vtter ruine, plotting of your liues.
Keepe in firme thought then, euery word that striues
For dangerous vtterance: Haste your ships ful freight
Of what you Trafficke for; and let me streight
Know by some sent friend: She hath all in hold,
240
I can by all meanes finger: and beside,
Ile do my best, to see your freight supplide
VVith some wel-weighing burthen of mine owne.
For I bring vp, in house, a great mans sonne,
As crafty as my selfe; who will with me
Run euery way along; and I will be
His Leader, till your Ship hath made him sure.
He will an infinite great price procure
Transfer him to what languag'd men ye may.
This said; She gat her home, and there made stay
A whole yeare with vs; Goods of great auaile
Their Ship enriching. VVhich now, fit for saile:
They sent a Messenger t'informe the Dame.
And, to my fathers house a fellow came,
Full of Phænissian craft: that, to be sold
A Tablet bought; the body all of Gold,
The Verge, all Amber. This had ocular view,
Both by my honor'd Mother, and the crew
Of her house-handmaids, handl'd; and the price
Beat; askt, and promist. And while this deuice
Lay thus vpon the Forge: this Ieweller
Made priuy signes (by winkes and wiles) to her
That was his obiect; which she tooke, and he
(His signe seeing noted) hied to Ship. VVhen she
(My hand still taking, as she vsde to do
To walke abroad with her) conuai'd me so
Abroad with her; and in the Portico
Found cups, with tasted Viands; which the guests
That vsde to flocke about my Fathers feasts
Had left. They gone (some to the Counsaile Court;
Some to heare newes amongst the talking sort)
Her Theft, three bowles into her lap conuaid;
And forth she went. Nor was my wit so staid
To stay her, or my selfe. The Sun went downe,
And shadowes round about the world were flowne,
VVhen we came to the hauen; in which did ride
The swift Phænissian Ship; whose faire broad fide
They boorded straight: Tooke vs vp; And all went
Along the moyst waues. VVinde, Saturnius sent.
Six dayes, we day and night sayl'd: But vvhen Ioue
Put vp the seuenth day; She, that shafts doth loue,
Shot dead the woman; who into the pumpe
Like to a Dop-chicke, diu'd; and gaue a thumpe
In her sad setling. Forth they cast her then
To serue the Fish, and Sea-calues: no more Men.
But I was left there, with a heauy hart.
When, winde and water draue them quite apart
Their owne course, and on Ithaca they fell;
And there, poore me, did to Laertes sell:
And thus these eyes, the sight of this Isle prou'd.
A whole yeare with vs; Goods of great auaile
Their Ship enriching. VVhich now, fit for saile:
They sent a Messenger t'informe the Dame.
And, to my fathers house a fellow came,
Full of Phænissian craft: that, to be sold
A Tablet bought; the body all of Gold,
The Verge, all Amber. This had ocular view,
Both by my honor'd Mother, and the crew
Of her house-handmaids, handl'd; and the price
Beat; askt, and promist. And while this deuice
Lay thus vpon the Forge: this Ieweller
Made priuy signes (by winkes and wiles) to her
That was his obiect; which she tooke, and he
(His signe seeing noted) hied to Ship. VVhen she
(My hand still taking, as she vsde to do
To walke abroad with her) conuai'd me so
Abroad with her; and in the Portico
Found cups, with tasted Viands; which the guests
That vsde to flocke about my Fathers feasts
Had left. They gone (some to the Counsaile Court;
Some to heare newes amongst the talking sort)
Her Theft, three bowles into her lap conuaid;
And forth she went. Nor was my wit so staid
To stay her, or my selfe. The Sun went downe,
And shadowes round about the world were flowne,
VVhen we came to the hauen; in which did ride
The swift Phænissian Ship; whose faire broad fide
They boorded straight: Tooke vs vp; And all went
Along the moyst waues. VVinde, Saturnius sent.
Six dayes, we day and night sayl'd: But vvhen Ioue
Put vp the seuenth day; She, that shafts doth loue,
Shot dead the woman; who into the pumpe
Like to a Dop-chicke, diu'd; and gaue a thumpe
In her sad setling. Forth they cast her then
To serue the Fish, and Sea-calues: no more Men.
But I was left there, with a heauy hart.
When, winde and water draue them quite apart
241
And there, poore me, did to Laertes sell:
And thus these eyes, the sight of this Isle prou'd.
Eumæus (he replyed) Thou much hast mou'd
The minde in me, with all things thou hast said,
And all the sufferance on thy bosome laid:
Bur (truly) to thy ill, hath Ioue ioyn'd good,
That one whose veines are seru'd with humane blood
Hath bought thy seruice; that giues competence
Of food, wine; cloth to thee. And sure th' expence
Of thy lifes date heere, is of good desart.
VVhose labours, not to thee alone, impart
Sufficient food and housing; but to me.
VVhere I, through many a heap't humanity
Haue hither err'd; where, though (like thee) not sold,
Not staid, like thee yet; nor nought needfull hold.
The minde in me, with all things thou hast said,
And all the sufferance on thy bosome laid:
Bur (truly) to thy ill, hath Ioue ioyn'd good,
That one whose veines are seru'd with humane blood
Hath bought thy seruice; that giues competence
Of food, wine; cloth to thee. And sure th' expence
Of thy lifes date heere, is of good desart.
VVhose labours, not to thee alone, impart
Sufficient food and housing; but to me.
VVhere I, through many a heap't humanity
Haue hither err'd; where, though (like thee) not sold,
Not staid, like thee yet; nor nought needfull hold.
This mutuall speech they vsd; nor had they slept
Much time before; the much-nere-morning lept
To her faire throne. And now strooke saile, the men
That seru'd Telemachus; arriu'd iust then
Nere his lou'd shore: wher now they stoopt the Mast,
Made to the Port with Oares, and Anchor cast;
Made fast the Ship, and then ashore they went:
Drest supper, fil'd wine; when (their appetites spent)
Telemachus commanded, they should yield
The Ship to th' owner; while himselfe, at field
VVould see his shepherds: when light drew to end
He would his gifts see, and to Towne descend.
And in the morning, at a Feast bestow
Rewards for all their paines. And whither, now
(Said Theoclymenus) my loued Son
Shall I addresse my selfe? whose mansion,
Of all men, in this rough-hewne Isle, shall I
Direct my way to? Or go readily
To thy house, and thy Mother? He replied;
Another time, Ile see you satisfied
VVith my house entertainment: but as now,
You should encounter none that could bestow
Your fit entreaty; and (which lesse graue were)
You could not see my Mother, I not there.
For shee's no frequent obiect; but apart
Keepes from her wooers, woo'd with her desart,
Vp, in her chamber, at her Huswifery.
But Ile name one, to whom you shall apply
Direct repaire; and thats Eurymachus,
Renown'd descent, to wise Polybius:
A man whom th' Ithacensians looke on now,
As on a God: since he, of all that wow
Is farre superior man; and likest far
To wed my mother: and as circular
Be in that honor, as Vlysses was.
But heauen-housd Ioue knowes, the yet hidden passe
Of her disposure; and on them he may
A blacker sight bring, then her Nuptiall day.
Much time before; the much-nere-morning lept
To her faire throne. And now strooke saile, the men
That seru'd Telemachus; arriu'd iust then
Nere his lou'd shore: wher now they stoopt the Mast,
Made to the Port with Oares, and Anchor cast;
Made fast the Ship, and then ashore they went:
Drest supper, fil'd wine; when (their appetites spent)
Telemachus commanded, they should yield
The Ship to th' owner; while himselfe, at field
VVould see his shepherds: when light drew to end
He would his gifts see, and to Towne descend.
And in the morning, at a Feast bestow
Rewards for all their paines. And whither, now
(Said Theoclymenus) my loued Son
Shall I addresse my selfe? whose mansion,
Of all men, in this rough-hewne Isle, shall I
Direct my way to? Or go readily
To thy house, and thy Mother? He replied;
Another time, Ile see you satisfied
VVith my house entertainment: but as now,
You should encounter none that could bestow
Your fit entreaty; and (which lesse graue were)
You could not see my Mother, I not there.
For shee's no frequent obiect; but apart
Keepes from her wooers, woo'd with her desart,
Vp, in her chamber, at her Huswifery.
But Ile name one, to whom you shall apply
Direct repaire; and thats Eurymachus,
Renown'd descent, to wise Polybius:
A man whom th' Ithacensians looke on now,
As on a God: since he, of all that wow
242
To wed my mother: and as circular
Be in that honor, as Vlysses was.
But heauen-housd Ioue knowes, the yet hidden passe
Of her disposure; and on them he may
A blacker sight bring, then her Nuptiall day.
As this he vtter'd; on his right hand flew
A Saker; sacred to the God of view:
That, in his Tallons trust, and plum'd a Doue;
The Feathers round about the Ship did roue,
And on Telemachus fell; whom th' Augure then
Tooke fast by th' hand; withdrew him from his men,
And said; Telemachus; This Hawke is sent
From God; I knew it for a sure Ostent
VVhen first I saw it. Be you well assur'd,
There will no wooer be by heauen indur'd
To rule in Ithaca, aboue your Race:
But your pow'rs euer fill the Regall place.
A Saker; sacred to the God of view:
That, in his Tallons trust, and plum'd a Doue;
The Feathers round about the Ship did roue,
And on Telemachus fell; whom th' Augure then
Tooke fast by th' hand; withdrew him from his men,
And said; Telemachus; This Hawke is sent
From God; I knew it for a sure Ostent
VVhen first I saw it. Be you well assur'd,
There will no wooer be by heauen indur'd
To rule in Ithaca, aboue your Race:
But your pow'rs euer fill the Regall place.
I wish to heauen (said he) thy word might stand;
Thou then shouldst soon acknowledge from my hand
Such gifts & friendship, as would make thee (Guest)
Met, and saluted, as no lesse then blest.
Thou then shouldst soon acknowledge from my hand
Such gifts & friendship, as would make thee (Guest)
Met, and saluted, as no lesse then blest.
This said; he call'd Pyræus (Clytus sonne)
His true associate; saying, Thou hast done
(Of all my Followers, to the Pylian shore)
My will, in chiefe, in other things; Once more,
Be chiefly good to me: take to thy house
This loued stranger; & be studious
T'embrace and greete him, with thy greatest fare,
Till I my selfe come, and take off thy care.
His true associate; saying, Thou hast done
(Of all my Followers, to the Pylian shore)
My will, in chiefe, in other things; Once more,
Be chiefly good to me: take to thy house
This loued stranger; & be studious
T'embrace and greete him, with thy greatest fare,
Till I my selfe come, and take off thy care.
The famous for his Lance saide; if your stay,
Take time for life heere; this mans care, Ile lay
On my performance; nor what fits a Guest,
Shall any penury with-hold his Feast.
Take time for life heere; this mans care, Ile lay
On my performance; nor what fits a Guest,
Shall any penury with-hold his Feast.
Thus tooke he ship; bad them boord, and away.
They boorded; sate: but did their labour stay
Till he had deckt his feete, and reacht his Lance.
They to the City: he did straight aduance
Vp to his Sties; where Swine lay for him, store;
By whose sides did his honest Swine-herd snore:
Till his short eares, his longest Nights had ended:
And nothing worse, to both his Lords intended.
They boorded; sate: but did their labour stay
Till he had deckt his feete, and reacht his Lance.
They to the City: he did straight aduance
Vp to his Sties; where Swine lay for him, store;
By whose sides did his honest Swine-herd snore:
Till his short eares, his longest Nights had ended:
And nothing worse, to both his Lords intended.
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