TELLME，OMUSE，ofthatingeniousherowhotravelledfarandwideafterhehadsackedthefamoustownofTroy。Manycitiesdidhevisit，andmanywerethenationswithwhosemannersandcustomshewasacquainted。moreoverhesufferedmuchbyseawhiletryingtosavehisownlifeandbringhismensafelyhome。butdowhathemighthecouldnotsavehismen，fortheyperishedthroughtheirownsheerfollyineatingthecattleoftheSun-godHyperion。sothegodpreventedthemfromeverreachinghome。Tellme，too，aboutallthesethings，OdaughterofJove，fromwhatsoeversourceyoumayknowthem。
SonowallwhoescapeddeathinbattleorbyshipwreckhadgotsafelyhomeexceptUlysses，andhe，thoughhewaslongingtoreturntohiswifeandcountry，wasdetainedbythegoddessCalypso，whohadgothimintoalargecaveandwantedtomarryhim。Butasyearswentby，therecameatimewhenthegodssettledthatheshouldgobacktoIthaca。eventhen，however，whenhewasamonghisownpeople，histroubleswerenotyetover。neverthelessallthegodshadnowbeguntopityhimexceptNeptune，whostillpersecutedhimwithoutceasingandwouldnotlethimgethome。
NowNeptunehadgoneofftotheEthiopians，whoareattheworld’send，andlieintwohalves，theonelookingWestandtheotherEast。
Hehadgonetheretoacceptahecatombofsheepandoxen，andwasenjoyinghimselfathisfestival。buttheothergodsmetinthehouseofOlympianJove，andthesireofgodsandmenspokefirst。AtthatmomenthewasthinkingofAegisthus，whohadbeenkilledbyAgamemnon’ssonOrestes。sohesaidtotheothergods：
Seenow，howmenlayblameuponusgodsforwhatisafterallnothingbuttheirownfolly。LookatAegisthus。hemustneedsmakelovetoAgamemnon’swifeunrighteouslyandthenkillAgamemnon，thoughheknewitwouldbethedeathofhim。forIsentMercurytowarnhimnottodoeitherofthesethings，inasmuchasOresteswouldbesuretotakehisrevengewhenhegrewupandwantedtoreturnhome。Mercurytoldhimthisinallgoodwillbuthewouldnotlisten，andnowhehaspaidforeverythinginfull。
ThenMinervasaid，Father，sonofSaturn，Kingofkings，itservedAegisthusright，andsoitwouldanyoneelsewhodoesashedid。butAegisthusisneitherherenorthere。itisforUlyssesthatmyheartbleeds，whenIthinkofhissufferingsinthatlonelysea-girtisland，faraway，poorman，fromallhisfriends。Itisanislandcoveredwithforest，intheverymiddleofthesea，andagoddesslivesthere，daughterofthemagicianAtlas，wholooksafterthebottomoftheocean，andcarriesthegreatcolumnsthatkeepheavenandearthasunder。ThisdaughterofAtlashasgotholdofpoorunhappyUlysses，andkeepstryingbyeverykindofblandishmenttomakehimforgethishome，sothatheistiredoflife，andthinksofnothingbuthowhemayoncemoreseethesmokeofhisownchimneys。
You，sir，takenoheedofthis，andyetwhenUlysseswasbeforeTroydidhenotpropitiateyouwithmanyaburntsacrifice？Whythenshouldyoukeeponbeingsoangrywithhim？
AndJovesaid，Mychild，whatareyoutalkingabout？HowcanI
forgetUlyssesthanwhomthereisnomorecapablemanonearth，normoreliberalinhisofferingstotheimmortalgodsthatliveinheaven？Bearinmind，however，thatNeptuneisstillfuriouswithUlyssesforhavingblindedaneyeofPolyphemuskingoftheCyclopes。PolyphemusissontoNeptunebythenymphThoosa，daughtertothesea-kingPhorcys。thereforethoughhewillnotkillUlyssesoutright，hetormentshimbypreventinghimfromgettinghome。
Still，letuslayourheadstogetherandseehowwecanhelphimtoreturn。Neptunewillthenbepacified，forifweareallofamindhecanhardlystandoutagainstus。
AndMinervasaid，Father，sonofSaturn，Kingofkings，if，then，thegodsnowmeanthatUlyssesshouldgethome，weshouldfirstsendMercurytotheOgygianislandtotellCalypsothatwehavemadeupourmindsandthatheistoreturn。InthemeantimeIwillgotoIthaca，toputheartintoUlysses’sonTelemachus。IwillemboldenhimtocalltheAchaeansinassembly，andspeakouttothesuitorsofhismotherPenelope，whopersistineatingupanynumberofhissheepandoxen。I
willalsoconducthimtoSpartaandtoPylos，toseeifhecanhearanythingaboutthereturnofhisdearfather-forthiswillmakepeoplespeakwellofhim。
Sosayingsheboundonherglitteringgoldensandals，imperishable，withwhichshecanflylikethewindoverlandorsea。
shegraspedtheredoubtablebronze-shodspear，sostoutandsturdyandstrong，wherewithshequellstheranksofheroeswhohavedispleasedher，anddownshedartedfromthetopmostsummitsofOlympus，whereonforthwithshewasinIthaca，atthegatewayofUlysses’house，disguisedasavisitor，Mentes，chiefoftheTaphians，andsheheldabronzespearinherhand。Thereshefoundthelordlysuitorsseatedonhidesoftheoxenwhichtheyhadkilledandeaten，andplayingdraughtsinfrontofthehouse。Men-servantsandpageswerebustlingabouttowaituponthem，somemixingwinewithwaterinthemixing-bowls，somecleaningdownthetableswithwetspongesandlayingthemoutagain，andsomecuttingupgreatquantitiesofmeat。
Telemachussawherlongbeforeanyoneelsedid。Hewassittingmoodilyamongthesuitorsthinkingabouthisbravefather，andhowhewouldsendthemflyingoutofthehouse，ifheweretocometohisownagainandbehonouredasindaysgoneby。Thusbroodingashesatamongthem，hecaughtsightofMinervaandwentstraighttothegate，forhewasvexedthatastrangershouldbekeptwaitingforadmittance。Hetookherrighthandinhisown，andbadehergivehimherspear。Welcome，saidhe，toourhouse，andwhenyouhavepartakenoffoodyoushalltelluswhatyouhavecomefor。
Heledthewayashespoke，andMinervafollowedhim。Whentheywerewithinhetookherspearandsetitinthespear-standagainstastrongbearing-postalongwiththemanyotherspearsofhisunhappyfather，andheconductedhertoarichlydecoratedseatunderwhichhethrewaclothofdamask。Therewasafootstoolalsoforherfeet，andhesetanotherseatnearherforhimself，awayfromthesuitors，thatshemightnotbeannoyedwhileeatingbytheirnoiseandinsolence，andthathemightaskhermorefreelyabouthisfather。
Amaidservantthenbroughtthemwaterinabeautifulgoldenewerandpoureditintoasilverbasinforthemtowashtheirhands，andshedrewacleantablebesidethem。Anupperservantbroughtthembread，andofferedthemmanygoodthingsofwhattherewasinthehouse，thecarverfetchedthemplatesofallmannerofmeatsandsetcupsofgoldbytheirside，andaman-servantbroughtthemwineandpoureditoutforthem。
Thenthesuitorscameinandtooktheirplacesonthebenchesandseats。Forthwithmenservantspouredwaterovertheirhands，maidswentroundwiththebread-baskets，pagesfilledthemixing-bowlswithwineandwater，andtheylaidtheirhandsuponthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrinktheywantedmusicanddancing，whicharethecrowningembellishmentsofabanquet，soaservantbroughtalyretoPhemius，whomtheycompelledperforcetosingtothem。AssoonashetouchedhislyreandbegantosingTelemachusspokelowtoMinerva，withhisheadclosetohersthatnomanmighthear。
Ihope，sir，saidhe，thatyouwillnotbeoffendedwithwhatI
amgoingtosay。Singingcomescheaptothosewhodonotpayforit，andallthisisdoneatthecostofonewhoseboneslierottinginsomewildernessorgrindingtopowderinthesurf。IfthesemenweretoseemyfathercomebacktoIthacatheywouldprayforlongerlegsratherthanalongerpurse，formoneywouldnotservethem。buthe，alas，hasfallenonanillfate，andevenwhenpeopledosometimessaythatheiscoming，wenolongerheedthem。weshallneverseehimagain。Andnow，sir，tellmeandtellmetrue，whoyouareandwhereyoucomefrom。Tellmeofyourtownandparents，whatmannerofshipyoucamein，howyourcrewbroughtyoutoIthaca，andofwhatnationtheydeclaredthemselvestobe-foryoucannothavecomebyland。Tellmealsotruly，forIwanttoknow，areyouastrangertothishouse，orhaveyoubeenhereinmyfather’stime？Intheolddayswehadmanyvisitorsformyfatherwentaboutmuchhimself。
AndMinervaanswered，Iwilltellyoutrulyandparticularlyallaboutit。IamMentes，sonofAnchialus，andIamKingoftheTaphians。Ihavecomeherewithmyshipandcrew，onavoyagetomenofaforeigntonguebeingboundforTemesawithacargoofiron，andI
shallbringbackcopper。Asformyship，itliesoveryonderofftheopencountryawayfromthetown，intheharbourRheithronunderthewoodedmountainNeritum。Ourfatherswerefriendsbeforeus，asoldLaerteswilltellyou，ifyouwillgoandaskhim。Theysay，however，thathenevercomestotownnow，andlivesbyhimselfinthecountry，faringhardly，withanoldwomantolookafterhimandgethisdinnerforhim，whenhecomesintiredfrompotteringabouthisvineyard。Theytoldmeyourfatherwasathomeagain，andthatwaswhyIcame，butitseemsthegodsarestillkeepinghimback，forheisnotdeadyetnotonthemainland。Itismorelikelyheisonsomesea-girtislandinmidocean，oraprisoneramongsavageswhoaredetaininghimagainsthiswillIamnoprophet，andknowverylittleaboutomens，butIspeakasitisborneinuponmefromheaven，andassureyouthathewillnotbeawaymuchlonger。forheisamanofsuchresourcethateventhoughhewereinchainsofironhewouldfindsomemeansofgettinghomeagain。Buttellme，andtellmetrue，canUlyssesreallyhavesuchafinelookingfellowforason？Youareindeedwonderfullylikehimabouttheheadandeyes，forwewereclosefriendsbeforehesetsailforTroywheretheflowerofalltheArgiveswentalso。Sincethattimewehavenevereitherofusseentheother。
Mymother，answeredTelemachus，tellsmeIamsontoUlysses，butitisawisechildthatknowshisownfather。WouldthatIweresontoonewhohadgrownolduponhisownestates，for，sinceyouaskme，thereisnomoreill-starredmanunderheaventhanhewhotheytellmeismyfather。
AndMinervasaid，Thereisnofearofyourracedyingoutyet，whilePenelopehassuchafinesonasyouare。Buttellme，andtellmetrue，whatisthemeaningofallthisfeasting，andwhoarethesepeople？Whatisitallabout？Haveyousomebanquet，oristhereaweddinginthefamily-fornooneseemstobebringinganyprovisionsofhisown？Andtheguests-howatrociouslytheyarebehaving。whatriottheymakeoverthewholehouse。itisenoughtodisgustanyrespectablepersonwhocomesnearthem。
Sir，saidTelemachus，asregardsyourquestion，solongasmyfatherwashereitwaswellwithusandwiththehouse，butthegodsintheirdispleasurehavewilleditotherwise，andhavehiddenhimawaymorecloselythanmortalmanwaseveryethidden。Icouldhaveborneitbettereventhoughheweredead，ifhehadfallenwithhismenbeforeTroy，orhaddiedwithfriendsaroundhimwhenthedaysofhisfightingweredone。forthentheAchaeanswouldhavebuiltamoundoverhisashes，andIshouldmyselfhavebeenheirtohisrenown。butnowthestorm-windshavespiritedhimawayweknownotwither。heisgonewithoutleavingsomuchasatracebehindhim，andIinheritnothingbutdismay。Nordoesthematterendsimplywithgriefforthelossofmyfather。heavenhaslaidsorrowsuponmeofyetanotherkind。forthechiefsfromallourislands，Dulichium，Same，andthewoodlandislandofZacynthus，asalsoalltheprincipalmenofIthacaitself，areeatingupmyhouseunderthepretextofpayingtheircourttomymother，whowillneitherpointblanksaythatshewillnotmarry，noryetbringmatterstoanend。sotheyaremakinghavocofmyestate，andbeforelongwilldosoalsowithmyself。
Isthatso？exclaimedMinerva，thenyoudoindeedwantUlysseshomeagain。Givehimhishelmet，shield，andacouplelances，andifheisthemanhewaswhenIfirstknewhiminourhouse，drinkingandmakingmerry，hewouldsoonlayhishandsabouttheserascallysuitors，werehetostandoncemoreuponhisownthreshold。HewasthencomingfromEphyra，wherehehadbeentobegpoisonforhisarrowsfromIlus，sonofMermerus。Ilusfearedtheever-livinggodsandwouldnotgivehimany，butmyfatherlethimhavesome，forhewasveryfondofhim。IfUlyssesisthemanhethenwasthesesuitorswillhaveashortshriftandasorrywedding。
Butthere！Itrestswithheaventodeterminewhetherheistoreturn，andtakehisrevengeinhisownhouseorno。Iwould，however，urgeyoutosetabouttryingtogetridofthesesuitorsatonce。Takemyadvice，calltheAchaeanheroesinassemblyto-morrow-layyourcasebeforethem，andcallheaventobearyouwitness。Bidthesuitorstakethemselvesoff，eachtohisownplace，andifyourmother’smindissetonmarryingagain，lethergobacktoherfather，whowillfindherahusbandandprovideherwithallthemarriagegiftsthatsodearadaughtermayexpect。Asforyourself，letmeprevailuponyoutotakethebestshipyoucanget，withacrewoftwentymen，andgoinquestofyourfatherwhohassolongbeenmissing。Someonemaytellyousomething，orandpeopleoftenhearthingsinthiswaysomeheaven-sentmessagemaydirectyou。FirstgotoPylosandaskNestor。thencegoontoSpartaandvisitMenelaus，forhegothomelastofalltheAchaeans。ifyouhearthatyourfatherisaliveandonhiswayhome，youcanputupwiththewastethesesuitorswillmakeforyetanothertwelvemonths。Ifontheotherhandyouhearofhisdeath，comehomeatonce，celebratehisfuneralriteswithallduepomp，buildabarrowtohismemory，andmakeyourmothermarryagain。Then，havingdoneallthis，thinkitwelloverinyourmindhow，byfairmeansorfoul，youmaykillthesesuitorsinyourownhouse。Youaretoooldtopleadinfancyanylonger。haveyounotheardhowpeoplearesingingOrestes’praisesforhavingkilledhisfather’smurdererAegisthus？Youareafine，smartlookingfellow。showyourmettle，then，andmakeyourselfanameinstory。Now，however，I
mustgobacktomyshipandtomycrew，whowillbeimpatientifI
keepthemwaitinglonger。thinkthematteroverforyourself，andrememberwhatIhavesaidtoyou。
Sir，answeredTelemachus，ithasbeenverykindofyoutotalktomeinthisway，asthoughIwereyourownson，andIwilldoallyoutellme。Iknowyouwanttobegettingonwithyourvoyage，butstayalittlelongertillyouhavetakenabathandrefreshedyourself。I
willthengiveyouapresent，andyoushallgoonyourwayrejoicing。Iwillgiveyouoneofgreatbeautyandvalue-akeepsakesuchasonlydearfriendsgivetooneanother。
Minervaanswered，Donottrytokeepme，forIwouldbeonmywayatonce。Asforanypresentyoumaybedisposedtomakeme，keepittillIcomeagain，andIwilltakeithomewithme。Youshallgivemeaverygoodone，andIwillgiveyouoneofnolessvalueinreturn。
Withthesewordssheflewawaylikeabirdintotheair，butshehadgivenTelemachuscourage，andhadmadehimthinkmorethaneverabouthisfather。Hefeltthechange，wonderedatit，andknewthatthestrangerhadbeenagod，sohewentstraighttowherethesuitorsweresitting。
Phemiuswasstillsinging，andhishearerssatraptinsilenceashetoldthesadtaleofthereturnfromTroy，andtheillsMinervahadlaidupontheAchaeans。Penelope，daughterofIcarius，heardhissongfromherroomupstairs，andcamedownbythegreatstaircase，notalone，butattendedbytwoofherhandmaids。Whenshereachedthesuitorsshestoodbyoneofthebearingpoststhatsupportedtheroofofthecloisterswithastaidmaidenoneithersideofher。Sheheldaveil，moreover，beforeherface，andwasweepingbitterly。
Phemius，shecried，youknowmanyanotherfeatofgodsandheroes，suchaspoetslovetocelebrate。Singthesuitorssomeoneofthese，andletthemdrinktheirwineinsilence，butceasethissadtale，foritbreaksmysorrowfulheart，andremindsmeofmylosthusbandwhomImourneverwithoutceasing，andwhosenamewasgreatoverallHellasandmiddleArgos。
Mother，answeredTelemachus，letthebardsingwhathehasamindto。bardsdonotmaketheillstheysingof。itisJove，notthey，whomakesthem，andwhosendswealorwoeuponmankindaccordingtohisowngoodpleasure。Thisfellowmeansnoharmbysingingtheill-fatedreturnoftheDanaans，forpeoplealwaysapplaudthelatestsongsmostwarmly。Makeupyourmindtoitandbearit。UlyssesisnottheonlymanwhonevercamebackfromTroy，butmanyanotherwentdownaswellashe。Go，then，withinthehouseandbusyyourselfwithyourdailyduties，yourloom，yourdistaff，andtheorderingofyourservants。forspeechisman’smatter，andmineaboveallothers-foritisIwhoammasterhere。
Shewentwonderingbackintothehouse，andlaidherson’ssayinginherheart。Then，goingupstairswithherhandmaidsintoherroom，shemournedherdearhusbandtillMinervashedsweetsleepoverhereyes。Butthesuitorswereclamorousthroughoutthecoveredcloisters，andprayedeachonethathemightbeherbedfellow。
ThenTelemachusspoke，Shameless，hecried，andinsolentsuitors，letusfeastatourpleasurenow，andlettherebenobrawling，foritisararethingtohearamanwithsuchadivinevoiceasPhemiushas。
butinthemorningmeetmeinfullassemblythatImaygiveyouformalnoticetodepart，andfeastatoneanother’shouses，turnandturnabout，atyourowncost。Ifontheotherhandyouchoosetopersistinspungingupononeman，heavenhelpme，butJoveshallreckonwithyouinfull，andwhenyoufallinmyfather’shousethereshallbenomantoavengeyou。
Thesuitorsbittheirlipsastheyheardhim，andmarvelledattheboldnessofhisspeech。Then，Antinous，sonofEupeithes，said，Thegodsseemtohavegivenyoulessonsinblusterandtalltalking。mayJovenevergrantyoutobechiefinIthacaasyourfatherwasbeforeyou。
Telemachusanswered，Antinous，donotchidewithme，but，godwilling，IwillbechieftooifIcan。Isthistheworstfateyoucanthinkofforme？Itisnobadthingtobeachief，foritbringsbothrichesandhonour。Still，nowthatUlyssesisdeadtherearemanygreatmeninIthacabotholdandyoung，andsomeothermaytaketheleadamongthem。neverthelessIwillbechiefinmyownhouse，andwillrulethosewhomUlysseshaswonforme。
ThenEurymachus，sonofPolybus，answered，Itrestswithheaventodecidewhoshallbechiefamongus，butyoushallbemasterinyourownhouseandoveryourownpossessions。noonewhilethereisamaninIthacashalldoyouviolencenorrobyou。Andnow，mygoodfellow，Iwanttoknowaboutthisstranger。Whatcountrydoeshecomefrom？Ofwhatfamilyishe，andwhereishisestate？Hashebroughtyounewsaboutthereturnofyourfather，orwasheonbusinessofhisown？Heseemedawell-to-doman，buthehurriedoffsosuddenlythathewasgoneinamomentbeforewecouldgettoknowhim。
Myfatherisdeadandgone，answeredTelemachus，andevenifsomerumourreachesmeIputnomorefaithinitnow。Mymotherdoesindeedsometimessendforasoothsayerandquestionhim，butIgivehisprophecyingsnoheed。Asforthestranger，hewasMentes，sonofAnchialus，chiefoftheTaphians，anoldfriendofmyfather’s。Butinhisheartheknewthatithadbeenthegoddess。
Thesuitorsthenreturnedtotheirsinginganddancinguntiltheevening。butwhennightfellupontheirpleasuringtheywenthometobedeachinhisownabode。Telemachus’sroomwashighupinatowerthatlookedontotheoutercourt。hither，then，hehied，broodingandfullofthought。Agoodoldwoman，Euryclea，daughterofOps，thesonofPisenor，wentbeforehimwithacoupleofblazingtorches。
Laerteshadboughtherwithhisownmoneywhenshewasquiteyoung。hegavetheworthoftwentyoxenforher，andshewedasmuchrespecttoherinhishouseholdashedidtohisownweddedwife，buthedidnottakehertohisbedforhefearedhiswife’sresentment。SheitwaswhonowlightedTelemachustohisroom，andshelovedhimbetterthananyoftheotherwomeninthehousedid，forshehadnursedhimwhenhewasababy。Heopenedthedoorofhisbedroomandsatdownuponthebed。ashetookoffhisshirthegaveittothegoodoldwoman，whofoldedittidilyup，andhungitforhimoverapegbyhisbedside，afterwhichshewentout，pulledthedoortobyasilvercatch，anddrewthebolthomebymeansofthestrap。ButTelemachusashelaycoveredwithawoollenfleecekeptthinkingallnightthroughofhisintendedvoyageofthecounselthatMinervahadgivenhim。
BOOKII。
NOWwhenthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn，appeared，Telemachusroseanddressedhimself。Heboundhissandalsontohiscomelyfeet，girdedhisswordabouthisshoulder，andlefthisroomlookinglikeanimmortalgod。Heatoncesentthecriersroundtocallthepeopleinassembly，sotheycalledthemandthepeoplegatheredthereon。then，whentheyweregottogether，hewenttotheplaceofassemblyspearinhand-notalone，forhistwohoundswentwithhim。
Minervaendowedhimwithapresenceofsuchdivinecomelinessthatallmarvelledathimashewentby，andwhenhetookhisplace’inhisfather’sseateventheoldestcouncillorsmadewayforhim。
Aegyptius，amanbentdoublewithage，andofinfiniteexperience，thefirsttospeakHissonAntiphushadgonewithUlyssestoIlius，landofnoblesteeds，butthesavageCyclopshadkilledhimwhentheywereallshutupinthecave，andhadcookedhislastdinnerforhim，Hehadthreesonsleft，ofwhomtwostillworkedontheirfather’sland，whilethethird，Eurynomus，wasoneofthesuitors。
neverthelesstheirfathercouldnotgetoverthelossofAntiphus，andwasstillweepingforhimwhenhebeganhisspeech。
MenofIthaca，hesaid，hearmywords。FromthedayUlyssesleftustherehasbeennomeetingofourcouncillorsuntilnow。whothencanitbe，whetheroldoryoung，thatfindsitsonecessarytoconveneus？Hashegotwindofsomehostapproaching，anddoeshewishtowarnus，orwouldhespeakuponsomeothermatterofpublicmoment？
Iamsureheisanexcellentperson，andIhopeJovewillgranthimhisheart’sdesire。
Telemachustookthisspeechasofgoodomenandroseatonce，forhewasburstingwithwhathehadtosay。HestoodinthemiddleoftheassemblyandthegoodheraldPisenorbroughthimhisstaff。Then，turningtoAegyptius，Sir，saidhe，itisI，asyouwillshortlylearn，whohaveconvenedyou，foritisIwhoamthemostaggrieved。I
havenotgotwindofanyhostapproachingaboutwhichIwouldwarnyou，noristhereanymatterofpublicmomentonwhichIwouldspeak。Mygrieveanceispurelypersonal，andturnsontwogreatmisfortuneswhichhavefallenuponmyhouse。Thefirstoftheseisthelossofmyexcellentfather，whowaschiefamongallyouherepresent，andwaslikeafathertoeveryoneofyou。thesecondismuchmoreserious，anderelongwillbetheutterruinofmyestate。Thesonsofallthechiefmenamongyouarepesteringmymothertomarrythemagainstherwill。TheyareafraidtogotoherfatherIcarius，askinghimtochoosetheonehelikesbest，andtoprovidemarriagegiftsforhisdaughter，butdaybydaytheykeephangingaboutmyfather’shouse，sacrificingouroxen，sheep，andfatgoatsfortheirbanquets，andnevergivingsomuchasathoughttothequantityofwinetheydrink。Noestatecanstandsuchrecklessness。wehavenownoUlyssestowardoffharmfromourdoors，andIcannotholdmyownagainstthem。Ishallneverallmydaysbeasgoodamanashewas，stillIwouldindeeddefendmyselfifIhadpowertodoso，forI
cannotstandsuchtreatmentanylonger。myhouseisbeingdisgracedandruined。Haverespect，therefore，toyourownconsciencesandtopublicopinion。Fear，too，thewrathofheaven，lestthegodsshouldbedispleasedandturnuponyou。IprayyoubyJoveandThemis，whoisthebeginningandtheendofcouncils，[donot]holdback，myfriends，andleavemesinglehanded-unlessitbethatmybravefatherUlyssesdidsomewrongtotheAchaeanswhichyouwouldnowavengeonme，byaidingandabettingthesesuitors。Moreover，ifIamtobeeatenoutofhouseandhomeatall，Ihadratheryoudidtheeatingyourselves，forIcouldthentakeactionagainstyoutosomepurpose，andserveyouwithnoticesfromhousetohousetillIgotpaidinfull，whereasnowIhavenoremedy。
WiththisTelemachusdashedhisstafftothegroundandburstintotears。Everyonewasverysorryforhim，buttheyallsatstillandnooneventuredtomakehimanangryanswer，saveonlyAntinous，whospokethus：
Telemachus，insolentbraggartthatyouare，howdareyoutrytothrowtheblameuponussuitors？Itisyourmother’sfaultnotours，forsheisaveryartfulwoman。Thisthreeyearspast，andcloseonfour，shehasbeendrivingusoutofourminds，byencouragingeachoneofus，andsendinghimmessageswithoutmeaningonewordofwhatshesays。Andthentherewasthatothertricksheplayedus。Shesetupagreattambourframeinherroom，andbegantoworkonanenormouspieceoffineneedlework。’Sweethearts，’saidshe，’Ulyssesisindeeddead，stilldonotpressmetomarryagainimmediately，wait-forI
wouldnothaveskillinneedleworkperishunrecorded-tillIhavecompletedapallfortheheroLaertes，tobeinreadinessagainstthetimewhendeathshalltakehim。Heisveryrich，andthewomenoftheplacewilltalkifheislaidoutwithoutapall。’
Thiswaswhatshesaid，andweassented。whereonwecouldseeherworkingonhergreatweballdaylong，butatnightshewouldunpickthestitchesagainbytorchlight。Shefooledusinthiswayforthreeyearsandweneverfoundherout，butastimeworeonandshewasnowinherfourthyear，oneofhermaidswhoknewwhatshewasdoingtoldus，andwecaughtherintheactofundoingherwork，soshehadtofinishitwhethershewouldorno。Thesuitors，therefore，makeyouthisanswer，thatbothyouandtheAchaeansmayunderstand-’Sendyourmotheraway，andbidhermarrythemanofherownandofherfather’schoice’。forIdonotknowwhatwillhappenifshegoesonplaguingusmuchlongerwiththeairsshegivesherselfonthescoreoftheaccomplishmentsMinervahastaughther，andbecausesheissoclever。Weneveryetheardofsuchawoman。weknowallaboutTyro，Alcmena，Mycene，andthefamouswomenofold，buttheywerenothingtoyourmother，anyoneofthem。Itwasnotfairofhertotreatusinthatway，andaslongasshecontinuesinthemindwithwhichheavenhasnowendowedher，solongshallwegooneatingupyourestate。andIdonotseewhysheshouldchange，forshegetsallthehonourandglory，anditisyouwhopayforit，notshe。
Understand，then，thatwewillnotgobacktoourlands，neitherherenorelsewhere，tillshehasmadeherchoiceandmarriedsomeoneorotherofus。
Telemachusanswered，Antinous，howcanIdrivethemotherwhoboremefrommyfather’shouse？Myfatherisabroadandwedonotknowwhetherheisaliveordead。ItwillbehardonmeifIhavetopayIcariusthelargesumwhichImustgivehimifIinsistonsendinghisdaughterbacktohim。Notonlywillhedealrigorouslywithme，butheavenwillalsopunishme。formymotherwhensheleavesthehousewillcalfontheErinyestoavengeher。besides，itwouldnotbeacreditablethingtodo，andIwillhavenothingtosaytoit。Ifyouchoosetotakeoffenceatthis，leavethehouseandfeastelsewhereatoneanother’shousesatyourowncostturnandturnabout。If，ontheotherhand，youelecttopersistinspungingupononeman，heavenhelpme，butJoveshallreckonwithyouinfull，andwhenyoufallinmyfather’shousethereshallbenomantoavengeyou。
AshespokeJovesenttwoeaglesfromthetopofthemountain，andtheyflewonandonwiththewind，sailingsidebysideintheirownlordlyflight。Whentheywererightoverthemiddleoftheassemblytheywheeledandcircledabout，beatingtheairwiththeirwingsandglaringdeathintotheeyesofthemthatwerebelow。then，fightingfiercelyandtearingatoneanother，theyflewofftowardstherightoverthetown。Thepeoplewonderedastheysawthem，andaskedeachotherwhatanthismightbe。whereonHalitherses，whowasthebestprophetandreaderofomensamongthem，spoketothemplainlyandinallhonesty，saying：
Hearme，menofIthaca，andIspeakmoreparticularlytothesuitors，forIseemischiefbrewingforthem。Ulyssesisnotgoingtobeawaymuchlonger。indeedheiscloseathandtodealoutdeathanddestruction，notonthemalone，butonmanyanotherofuswholiveinIthaca。Letusthenbewiseintime，andputastoptothiswickednessbeforehecomes。Letthesuitorsdosooftheirownaccord。
itwillbebetterforthem，forIamnotprophesyingwithoutdueknowledge。everythinghashappenedtoUlyssesasIforetoldwhentheArgivessetoutforTroy，andhewiththem。Isaidthataftergoingthroughmuchhardshipandlosingallhismenheshouldcomehomeagaininthetwentiethyearandthatnoonewouldknowhim。andnowallthisiscomingtrue。
EurymachussonofPolybusthensaid，Gohome，oldman，andprophesytoyourownchildren，oritmaybeworseforthem。Icanreadtheseomensmyselfmuchbetterthanyoucan。birdsarealwaysflyingaboutinthesunshinesomewhereorother，buttheyseldommeananything。
Ulysseshasdiedinafarcountry，anditisapityyouarenotdeadalongwithhim，insteadofpratinghereaboutomensandaddingfueltotheangerofTelemachuswhichisfierceenoughasitis。Isupposeyouthinkhewillgiveyousomethingforyourfamily，butItellyou-
anditshallsurelybe-whenanoldmanlikeyou，whoshouldknowbetter，talksayoungoneovertillhebecomestroublesome，inthefirstplacehisyoungfriendwillonlyfaresomuchtheworse-hewilltakenothingbyit，forthesuitorswillpreventthis-andinthenext，wewilllayaheavierfine，sir，uponyourselfthanyouwillatalllikepaying，foritwillbearhardlyuponyou。AsforTelemachus，Iwarnhiminthepresenceofyoualltosendhismotherbacktoherfather，whowillfindherahusbandandprovideherwithallthemarriagegiftssodearadaughtermayexpect。Tillweshallgoonharassinghimwithoursuit。forwefearnoman，andcareneitherforhim，withallhisfinespeeches，norforanyfortune-tellingofyours。Youmaypreachasmuchasyouplease，butweshallonlyhateyouthemore。WeshallgobackandcontinuetoeatupTelemachus’sestatewithoutpayinghim，tillsuchtimeashismotherleavesofftormentingusbykeepingusdayafterdayonthetiptoeofexpectation，eachvyingwiththeotherinhissuitforaprizeofsuchrareperfection。Besideswecannotgoaftertheotherwomenwhomweshouldmarryinduecourse，butforthewayinwhichshetreatsus。
ThenTelemachussaid，Eurymachus，andyouothersuitors，Ishallsaynomore，andentreatyounofurther，forthegodsandthepeopleofIthacanowknowmystory。Giveme，then，ashipandacrewoftwentymentotakemehitherandthither，andIwillgotoSpartaandtoPylosinquestofmyfatherwhohassolongbeenmissing。
Someonemaytellmesomething，orandpeopleoftenhearthingsinthiswaysomeheaven-sentmessagemaydirectme。IfIcanhearofhimasaliveandonhiswayhomeIwillputupwiththewasteyousuitorswillmakeforyetanothertwelvemonths。IfontheotherhandIhearofhisdeath，Iwillreturnatonce，celebratehisfuneralriteswithallduepomp，buildabarrowtohismemory，andmakemymothermarryagain。
Withthesewordshesatdown，andMentorwhohadbeenafriendofUlysses，andhadbeenleftinchargeofeverythingwithfullauthorityovertheservants，rosetospeak。He，then，plainlyandinallhonestyaddressedthemthus：
Hearme，menofIthaca，Ihopethatyoumayneverhaveakindandwell-disposedruleranymore，noronewhowillgovernyouequitably。I
hopethatallyourchiefshenceforwardmaybecruelandunjust，forthereisnotoneofyoubuthasforgottenUlysses，whoruledyouasthoughhewereyourfather。Iamnothalfsoangrywiththesuitors，foriftheychoosetodoviolenceinthenaughtinessoftheirhearts，andwagertheirheadsthatUlysseswillnotreturn，theycantakethehighhandandeatuphisestate，butasforyouothersIamshockedatthewayinwhichyouallsitstillwithouteventryingtostopsuchscandalousgoingson-whichyoucoulddoifyouchose，foryouaremanyandtheyarefew。
Leiocritus，sonofEvenor，answeredhimsaying，Mentor，whatfollyisallthis，thatyoushouldsetthepeopletostayus？Itisahardthingforonemantofightwithmanyabouthisvictuals。EventhoughUlysseshimselfweretosetuponuswhilewearefeastinginhishouse，anddohisbesttooustus，hiswife，whowantshimbacksoverybadly，wouldhavesmallcauseforrejoicing，andhisbloodwouldbeuponhisownheadifhefoughtagainstsuchgreatodds。Thereisnosenseinwhatyouhavebeensaying。Now，therefore，doyoupeoplegoaboutyourbusiness，andlethisfather’soldfriends，MentorandHalitherses，speedthisboyonhisjourney，ifhegoesatall-whichIdonotthinkhewill，forheismorelikelytostaywhereheistillsomeonecomesandtellshimsomething。
Onthishebrokeuptheassembly，andeverymanwentbacktohisownabode，whilethesuitorsreturnedtothehouseofUlysses。
ThenTelemachuswentallalonebytheseaside，washedhishandsinthegreywaves，andprayedtoMinerva。
Hearme，hecried，yougodwhovisitedmeyesterday，andbademesailtheseasinsearchofmyfatherwhohassolongbeenmissing。Iwouldobeyyou，buttheAchaeans，andmoreparticularlythewickedsuitors，arehinderingmethatIcannotdoso。
Ashethusprayed，MinervacamecloseuptohiminthelikenessandwiththevoiceofMentor。Telemachus，saidshe，ifyouaremadeofthesamestuffasyourfatheryouwillbeneitherfoolnorcowardhenceforward，forUlyssesneverbrokehiswordnorlefthisworkhalfdone。If，then，youtakeafterhim，yourvoyagewillnotbefruitless，butunlessyouhavethebloodofUlyssesandofPenelopeinyourveinsIseenolikelihoodofyoursucceeding。Sonsareseldomasgoodmenastheirfathers。theyaregenerallyworse，notbetter。
still，asyouarenotgoingtobeeitherfoolorcowardhenceforward，andarenotentirelywithoutsomeshareofyourfather’swisediscernment，Ilookwithhopeuponyourundertaking。Butmindyounevermakecommoncausewithanyofthosefoolishsuitors，fortheyhaveneithersensenorvirtue，andgivenothoughttodeathandtothedoomthatwillshortlyfallononeandallofthem，sothattheyshallperishonthesameday。Asforyourvoyage，itshallnotbelongdelayed。yourfatherwassuchanoldfriendofminethatIwillfindyouaship，andwillcomewithyoumyself。Now，however，returnhome，andgoaboutamongthesuitors。begingettingprovisionsreadyforyourvoyage。seeeverythingwellstowed，thewineinjars，andthebarleymeal，whichisthestaffoflife，inleathernbags，whileI
goroundthetownandbeatupvolunteersatonce。TherearemanyshipsinIthacabotholdandnew。Iwillrunmyeyeoverthemforyouandwillchoosethebest。wewillgetherreadyandwillputouttoseawithoutdelay。
ThusspokeMinervadaughterofJove，andTelemachuslostnotimeindoingasthegoddesstoldhim。Hewentmoodilyandfoundthesuitorsflayinggoatsandsingeingpigsintheoutercourt。Antinouscameuptohimatonceandlaughedashetookhishandinhisown，saying，Telemachus，myfinefire-eater，bearnomoreillbloodneitherinwordnordeed，buteatanddrinkwithusasyouusedtodo。
TheAchaeanswillfindyouineverything-ashipandapickedcrewtoboot-sothatyoucansetsailforPylosatonceandgetnewsofyournoblefather。
Antinous，answeredTelemachus，Icannoteatinpeace，nortakepleasureofanykindwithsuchmenasyouare。WasitnotenoughthatyoushouldwastesomuchgoodpropertyofminewhileIwasyetaboy？NowthatIamolderandknowmoreaboutit，Iamalsostronger，andwhetherhereamongthispeople，orbygoingtoPylos，IwilldoyoualltheharmIcan。Ishallgo，andmygoingwillnotbeinvainthough，thankstoyousuitors，Ihaveneithershipnorcrewofmyown，andmustbepassengernotcaptain。
AshespokehesnatchedhishandfromthatofAntinous。Meanwhiletheotherswentongettingdinnerreadyaboutthebuildings，jeeringathimtauntinglyastheydidso。
Telemachus，saidoneyoungster，meanstobethedeathofus。I
supposehethinkshecanbringfriendstohelphimfromPylos，oragainfromSparta，whereheseemsbentongoing。OrwillhegotoEphyraaswell，forpoisontoputinourwineandkillus？
Anothersaid，PerhapsifTelemachusgoesonboardship，hewillbelikehisfatherandperishfarfromhisfriends。Inthiscaseweshouldhaveplentytodo，forwecouldthendivideuphispropertyamongstus：asforthehousewecanlethismotherandthemanwhomarriesherhavethat。
Thiswashowtheytalked。ButTelemachuswentdownintotheloftyandspaciousstore-roomwherehisfather’streasureofgoldandbronzelayheapedupuponthefloor，andwherethelinenandspareclotheswerekeptinopenchests。Here，too，therewasastoreoffragrantoliveoil，whilecasksofold，well-ripenedwine，unblendedandfitforagodtodrink，wererangedagainstthewallincaseUlyssesshouldcomehomeagainafterall。Theroomwasclosedwithwell-madedoorsopeninginthemiddle。moreoverthefaithfuloldhouse-keeperEuryclea，daughterofOpsthesonofPisenor，wasinchargeofeverythingbothnightandday。Telemachuscalledhertothestore-roomandsaid：
Nurse，drawmeoffsomeofthebestwineyouhave，afterwhatyouarekeepingformyfather’sowndrinking，incase，poorman，heshouldescapedeath，andfindhiswayhomeagainafterall。Letmehavetwelvejars，andseethattheyallhavelids。alsofillmesomewell-sewnleathernbagswithbarleymeal-abouttwentymeasuresinall。Getthesethingsputtogetheratonce，andsaynothingaboutit。Iwilltakeeverythingawaythiseveningassoonasmymotherhasgoneupstairsforthenight。IamgoingtoSpartaandtoPylostoseeifIcanhearanythingaboutthereturnofmydearfather。
WhenEurycleaheardthisshebegantocry，andspokefondlytohim，saying，Mydearchild，whatevercanhaveputsuchnotionasthatintoyourhead？Whereintheworlddoyouwanttogoto-you，whoaretheonehopeofthehouse？Yourpoorfatherisdeadandgoneinsomeforeigncountrynobodyknowswhere，andassoonasyourbackisturnedthesewickedonesherewillbeschemingtogetyouputoutoftheway，andwillshareallyourpossessionsamongthemselves。staywhereyouareamongyourownpeople，anddonotgowanderingandworryingyourlifeoutonthebarrenocean。
Fearnot，nurse，answeredTelemachus，myschemeisnotwithoutheaven’ssanction。butswearthatyouwillsaynothingaboutallthistomymother，tillIhavebeenawaysometenortwelvedays，unlessshehearsofmyhavinggone，andasksyou。forIdonotwanthertospoilherbeautybycrying。
Theoldwomansworemostsolemnlythatshewouldnot，andwhenshehadcompletedheroath，shebegandrawingoffthewineintojars，andgettingthebarleymealintothebags，whileTelemachuswentbacktothesuitors。
ThenMinervabethoughtherofanothermatter。Shetookhisshape，andwentroundthetowntoeachoneofthecrew，tellingthemtomeetattheshipbysundown。ShewentalsotoNoemonsonofPhronius，andaskedhimtoletherhaveaship-whichhewasveryreadytodo。Whenthesunhadsetanddarknesswasoveralltheland，shegottheshipintothewater，putallthetackleonboardherthatshipsgenerallycarry，andstationedherattheendoftheharbour。Presentlythecrewcameup，andthegoddessspokeencouraginglytoeachofthem。
FurthermoreshewenttothehouseofUlysses，andthrewthesuitorsintoadeepslumber。Shecausedtheirdrinktofuddlethem，andmadethemdroptheircupsfromtheirhands，sothatinsteadofsittingovertheirwine，theywentbackintothetowntosleep，withtheireyesheavyandfullofdrowsiness。ThenshetooktheformandvoiceofMentor，andcalledTelemachustocomeoutside。
Telemachus，saidshe，themenareonboardandattheiroars，waitingforyoutogiveyourorders，somakehasteandletusbeoff。
Onthissheledtheway，whileTelemachusfollowedinhersteps。
Whentheygottotheshiptheyfoundthecrewwaitingbythewaterside，andTelemachussaid，Nowmymen，helpmetogetthestoresonboard。theyareallputtogetherinthecloister，andmymotherdoesnotknowanythingaboutit，noranyofthemaidservantsexceptone。
Withthesewordsheledthewayandtheothersfollowedafter。
Whentheyhadbroughtthethingsashetoldthem，Telemachuswentonboard，Minervagoingbeforehimandtakingherseatinthesternofthevessel，whileTelemachussatbesideher。Thenthemenloosedthehawsersandtooktheirplacesonthebenches。MinervasentthemafairwindfromtheWest，thatwhistledoverthedeepbluewaveswhereonTelemachustoldthemtocatchholdoftheropesandhoistsail，andtheydidashetoldthem。Theysetthemastinitssocketinthecrossplank，raisedit，andmadeitfastwiththeforestays。thentheyhoistedtheirwhitesailsaloftwithropesoftwistedoxhide。Asthesailbelliedoutwiththewind，theshipflewthroughthedeepbluewater，andthefoamhissedagainstherbowsasshespedonward。
Thentheymadeallfastthroughouttheship，filledthemixing-bowlstothebrim，andmadedrinkofferingstotheimmortalgodsthatarefromeverlasting，butmoreparticularlytothegrey-eyeddaughterofJove。
Thus，then，theshipspedonherwaythroughthewatchesofthenightfromdarktilldawn。
BOOKIII。
BUTasthesunwasrisingfromthefairseaintothefirmamentofheaventoshedBlightonmortalsandimmortals，theyreachedPylosthecityofNeleus。NowthepeopleofPylosweregatheredontheseashoretooffersacrificeofblackbullstoNeptunelordoftheEarthquake。
Therewerenineguildswithfivehundredmenineach，andtherewereninebullstoeachguild。Astheywereeatingtheinwardmeatsandburningthethighbones[ontheembers]inthenameofNeptune，Telemachusandhiscrewarrived，furledtheirsails，broughttheirshiptoanchor，andwentashore。
MinervaledthewayandTelemachusfollowedher。Presentlyshesaid，Telemachus，youmustnotbeintheleastshyornervous。youhavetakenthisvoyagetotryandfindoutwhereyourfatherisburiedandhowhecamebyhisend。sogostraightuptoNestorthatwemayseewhathehasgottotellus。Begofhimtospeakthetruth，andhewilltellnolies，forheisanexcellentperson。
Buthow，Mentor，repliedTelemachus，dareIgouptoNestor，andhowamItoaddresshim？Ihaveneveryetbeenusedtoholdinglongconversationswithpeople，andamashamedtobeginquestioningonewhoissomucholderthanmyself。
Somethings，Telemachus，answeredMinerva，willbesuggestedtoyoubyyourowninstinct，andheavenwillpromptyoufurther。forIamassuredthatthegodshavebeenwithyoufromthetimeofyourbirthuntilnow。
Shethenwentquicklyon，andTelemachusfollowedinherstepstilltheyreachedtheplacewheretheguildsofthePylianpeoplewereassembled。TheretheyfoundNestorsittingwithhissons，whilehiscompanyroundhimwerebusygettingdinnerready，andputtingpiecesofmeatontothespitswhileotherpieceswerecooking。Whentheysawthestrangerstheycrowdedroundthem，tookthembythehandandbadethemtaketheirplaces。Nestor’ssonPisistratusatonceofferedhishandtoeachofthem，andseatedthemonsomesoftsheepskinsthatwerelyingonthesandsnearhisfatherandhisbrotherThrasymedes。Thenhegavethemtheirportionsoftheinwardmeatsandpouredwineforthemintoagoldencup，handingittoMinervafirst，andsalutingheratthesametime。
Offeraprayer，sir，saidhe，toKingNeptune，foritishisfeastthatyouarejoining。whenyouhavedulyprayedandmadeyourdrink-offering，passthecuptoyourfriendthathemaydosoalso。
Idoubtnotthathetooliftshishandsinprayer，formancannotlivewithoutGodintheworld。Stillheisyoungerthanyouare，andismuchofanagewithmyself，soIhehandedIwillgiveyoutheprecedence。
Ashespokehehandedherthecup。Minervathoughtitveryrightandproperofhimtohavegivenittoherselffirst。sheaccordinglybeganprayingheartilytoNeptune。Othou，shecried，thatencirclesttheearth，vouchsafetogranttheprayersofthyservantsthatcalluponthee。MoreespeciallywepraytheesenddownthygraceonNestorandonhissons。thereafteralsomaketherestofthePylianpeoplesomehandsomereturnforthegoodlyhecatombtheyareofferingyou。Lastly，grantTelemachusandmyselfahappyissue，inrespectofthematterthathasbroughtusinourtoPylos。
Whenshehadthusmadeanendofpraying，shehandedthecuptoTelemachusandheprayedlikewise。Byandby，whentheoutermeatswereroastedandhadbeentakenoffthespits，thecarversgaveeverymanhisportionandtheyallmadeanexcellentdinner。Assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，Nestor，knightofGerene，begantospeak。
Now，saidhe，thatourguestshavedonetheirdinner，itwillbebesttoaskthemwhotheyare。Who，then，sirstrangers，areyou，andfromwhatporthaveyousailed？Areyoutraders？ordoyousailtheseasasroverswithyourhandagainsteveryman，andeveryman’shandagainstyou？
Telemachusansweredboldly，forMinervahadgivenhimcouragetoaskabouthisfatherandgethimselfagoodname。
Nestor，saidhe，sonofNeleus，honourtotheAchaeanname，youaskwhencewecome，andIwilltellyou。WecomefromIthacaunderNeritum，andthematteraboutwhichIwouldspeakisofprivatenotpublicimport。IseeknewsofmyunhappyfatherUlysses，whoissaidtohavesackedthetownofTroyincompanywithyourself。WeknowwhatfatebefelleachoneoftheotherheroeswhofoughtatTroy，butasregardsUlyssesheavenhashiddenfromustheknowledgeeventhatheisdeadatall，fornoonecancertifyusinwhatplaceheperished，norsaywhetherhefellinbattleonthemainland，orwaslostatseaamidthewavesofAmphitrite。ThereforeIamsuppliantatyourknees，ifhaplyyoumaybepleasedtotellmeofhismelancholyend，whetheryousawitwithyourowneyes，orhearditfromsomeothertraveller，forhewasamanborntotrouble。Donotsoftenthingsoutofanypityforme，buttellmeinallplainnessexactlywhatyousaw。IfmybravefatherUlysseseverdidyouloyalservice，eitherbywordordeed，whenyouAchaeanswereharassedamongtheTrojans，bearitinmindnowasinmyfavourandtellmetrulyall。
Myfriend，answeredNestor，yourecallatimeofmuchsorrowtomymind，forthebraveAchaeanssufferedmuchbothatsea，whileprivateeringunderAchilles，andwhenfightingbeforethegreatcityofkingPriam。Ourbestmenallofthemfellthere-Ajax，Achilles，Patrocluspeerofgodsincounsel，andmyowndearsonAntilochus，amansingularlyfleetoffootandinfightvaliant。Butwesufferedmuchmorethanthis。whatmortaltongueindeedcouldtellthewholestory？Thoughyouweretostayhereandquestionmeforfiveyears，orevensix，IcouldnottellyouallthattheAchaeanssuffered，andyouwouldturnhomewardwearyofmytalebeforeitended。Ninelongyearsdidwetryeverykindofstratagem，butthehandofheavenwasagainstus。duringallthistimetherewasnoonewhocouldcomparewithyourfatherinsubtlety-ifindeedyouarehisson-Icanhardlybelievemyeyes-andyoutalkjustlikehimtoo-noonewouldsaythatpeopleofsuchdifferentagescouldspeaksomuchalike。HeandIneverhadanykindofdifferencefromfirsttolastneitherincampnorcouncil，butinsinglenessofheartandpurposeweadvisedtheArgiveshowallmightbeorderedforthebest。
Whenhowever，wehadsackedthecityofPriam，andweresettingsailinourshipsasheavenhaddispersedus，thenJovesawfittovextheArgivesontheirhomewardvoyage。fortheyhadNotallbeeneitherwiseorunderstanding，andhencemanycametoabadendthroughthedispleasureofJove’sdaughterMinerva，whobroughtaboutaquarrelbetweenthetwosonsofAtreus。
ThesonsofAtreuscalledameetingwhichwasnotasitshouldbe，foritwassunsetandtheAchaeanswereheavywithwine。Whentheyexplainedwhytheyhadcalled-thepeopletogether，itseemedthatMenelauswasforsailinghomewardatonce，andthisdispleasedAgamemnon，whothoughtthatweshouldwaittillwehadofferedhecatombstoappeasetheangerofMinerva。Foolthathewas，hemighthaveknownthathewouldnotprevailwithher，forwhenthegodshavemadeuptheirmindstheydonotchangethemlightly。Sothetwostoodbandyinghardwords，whereontheAchaeanssprangtotheirfeetwithacrythatrenttheair，andwereoftwomindsastowhattheyshoulddo。
Thatnightwerestedandnursedouranger，forJovewashatchingmischiefagainstus。Butinthemorningsomeofusdrewourshipsintothewaterandputourgoodswithourwomenonboard，whiletherest，abouthalfinnumber，stayedbehindwithAgamemnon。We-theotherhalf-embarkedandsailed。andtheshipswentwell，forheavenhadsmoothedthesea。WhenwereachedTenedosweofferedsacrificestothegods，forwewerelongingtogethome。cruelJove，however，didnotyetmeanthatweshoulddoso，andraisedasecondquarrelinthecourseofwhichsomeamongusturnedtheirshipsbackagain，andsailedawayunderUlyssestomaketheirpeacewithAgamemnon。butI，andalltheshipsthatwerewithmepressedforward，forIsawthatmischiefwasbrewing。ThesonofTydeuswentonalsowithme，andhiscrewswithhim。LateronMenelausjoinedusatLesbos，andfoundusmakingupourmindsaboutourcourse-forwedidnotknowwhethertogooutsideChiosbytheislandofPsyra，keepingthistoourleft，orinsideChios，overagainstthestormyheadlandofMimas。Soweaskedheavenforasign，andwereshownonetotheeffectthatweshouldbesoonestoutofdangerifweheadedourshipsacrosstheopenseatoEuboea。Thiswethereforedid，andafairwindsprangupwhichgaveusaquickpassageduringthenighttoGeraestus，whereweofferedmanysacrificestoNeptuneforhavinghelpedussofaronourway。FourdayslaterDiomedandhismenstationedtheirshipsinArgos，butIheldonforPylos，andthewindneverfelllightfromthedaywhenheavenfirstmadeitfairforme。
Therefore，mydearyoungfriend，Ireturnedwithouthearinganythingabouttheothers。Iknowneitherwhogothomesafelynorwhowerelostbut，asindutybound，IwillgiveyouwithoutreservethereportsthathavereachedmesinceIhavebeenhereinmyownhouse。TheysaytheMyrmidonsreturnedhomesafelyunderAchilles’sonNeoptolemus。soalsodidthevaliantsonofPoias，Philoctetes。
Idomeneus，again，lostnomenatsea，andallhisfollowerswhoescapeddeathinthefieldgotsafehomewithhimtoCrete。Nomatterhowfaroutoftheworldyoulive，youwillhaveheardofAgamemnonandthebadendhecametoatthehandsofAegisthus-andafearfulreckoningdidAegisthuspresentlypay。SeewhatagoodthingitisforamantoleaveasonbehindhimtodoasOrestesdid，whokilledfalseAegisthusthemurdererofhisnoblefather。Youtoo，then-foryouareatall，smart-lookingfellow-showyourmettleandmakeyourselfanameinstory。
NestorsonofNeleus，answeredTelemachus，honourtotheAchaeanname，theAchaeansapplaudOrestesandhisnamewilllivethroughalltimeforhehasavengedhisfathernobly。Wouldthatheavenmightgrantmetodolikevengeanceontheinsolenceofthewickedsuitors，whoareilltreatingmeandplottingmyruin。butthegodshavenosuchhappinessinstoreformeandformyfather，sowemustbearitasbestwemay。
Myfriend，saidNestor，nowthatyouremindme，Iremembertohaveheardthatyourmotherhasmanysuitors，whoareilldisposedtowardsyouandaremakinghavocofyourestate。Doyousubmittothistamely，orarepublicfeelingandthevoiceofheavenagainstyou？WhoknowsbutwhatUlyssesmaycomebackafterall，andpaythesescoundrelsinfull，eithersingle-handedorwithaforceofAchaeansbehindhim？IfMinervaweretotakeasgreatalikingtoyouasshedidtoUlysseswhenwewerefightingbeforeTroyforIneveryetsawthegodssoopenlyfondofanyoneasMinervathenwasofyourfather，ifshewouldtakeasgoodcareofyouasshedidofhim，thesewooerswouldsoonsomeofthemhim，forgettheirwooing。
Telemachusanswered，Icanexpectnothingofthekind。itwouldbefartoomuchtohopefor。Idarenotletmyselfthinkofit。Eventhoughthegodsthemselveswilleditnosuchgoodfortunecouldbefallme。
OnthisMinervasaid，Telemachus，whatareyoutalkingabout？
Heavenhasalongarmifitismindedtosaveaman。andifitwereme，IshouldnotcarehowmuchIsufferedbeforegettinghome，providedIcouldbesafewhenIwasoncethere。Iwouldratherthis，thangethomequickly，andthenbekilledinmyownhouseasAgamemnonwasbythetreacheryofAegisthusandhiswife。Still，deathiscertain，andwhenaman’shouriscome，noteventhegodscansavehim，nomatterhowfondtheyareofhim。
Mentor，answeredTelemachus，donotletustalkaboutitanymore。Thereisnochanceofmyfather’severcomingback。thegodshavelongsincecounselledhisdestruction。Thereissomethingelse，however，aboutwhichIshouldliketoaskNestor，forheknowsmuchmorethananyoneelsedoes。Theysayhehasreignedforthreegenerationssothatitisliketalkingtoanimmortal。Tellme，therefore，Nestor，andtellmetrue。howdidAgamemnoncometodieinthatway？WhatwasMenelausdoing？AndhowcamefalseAegisthustokillsofarbetteramanthanhimself？WasMenelausawayfromAchaeanArgos，voyagingelsewhitheramongmankind，thatAegisthustookheartandkilledAgamemnon？
Iwilltellyoutruly，answeredNestor，andindeedyouhaveyourselfdivinedhowitallhappened。IfMenelauswhenhegotbackfromTroyhadfoundAegisthusstillaliveinhishouse，therewouldhavebeennobarrowheapedupforhim，notevenwhenhewasdead，buthewouldhavebeenthrownoutsidethecitytodogsandvultures，andnotawomanwouldhavemournedhim，forhehaddoneadeedofgreatwickedness。butwewereoverthere，fightinghardatTroy，andAegisthuswhowastakinghiseasequietlyintheheartofArgos，cajoledAgamemnon’swifeClytemnestrawithincessantflattery。
Atfirstshewouldhavenothingtodowithhiswickedscheme，forshewasofagoodnaturaldisposition。moreovertherewasabardwithher，towhomAgamemnonhadgivenstrictordersonsettingoutforTroy，thathewastokeepguardoverhiswife。butwhenheavenhadcounselledherdestruction，Aegisthusthusthisbardofftoadesertislandandlefthimthereforcrowsandseagullstobattenupon-afterwhichshewentwillinglyenoughtothehouseofAegisthus。Thenheofferedmanyburntsacrificestothegods，anddecoratedmanytempleswithtapestriesandgilding，forhehadsucceededfarbeyondhisexpectations。
MeanwhileMenelausandIwereonourwayhomefromTroy，ongoodtermswithoneanother。WhenwegottoSunium，whichisthepointofAthens，ApollowithhispainlessshaftskilledPhrontisthesteersmanofMenelaus’shipandnevermanknewbetterhowtohandleavesselinroughweathersothathediedthenandtherewiththehelminhishand，andMenelaus，thoughveryanxioustopressforward，hadtowaitinordertoburyhiscomradeandgivehimhisduefuneralrites。Presently，whenhetoocouldputtoseaagain，andhadsailedonasfarastheMaleanheads，Jovecounselledevilagainsthimandmadeititblowhardtillthewavesranmountainshigh。HerehedividedhisfleetandtooktheonehalftowardsCretewheretheCydoniansdwellroundaboutthewatersoftheriverIardanus。ThereisahighheadlandhereaboutsstretchingoutintotheseafromaplacecalledGortyn，andallalongthispartofthecoastasfarasPhaestusthesearunshighwhenthereisasouthwindblowing，butarterPhaestusthecoastismoreprotected，forasmallheadlandcanmakeagreatshelter。Herethispartofthefleetwasdrivenontotherocksandwrecked。butthecrewsjustmanagedtosavethemselves。Asfortheotherfiveships，theyweretakenbywindsandseastoEgypt，whereMenelausgatheredmuchgoldandsubstanceamongpeopleofanalienspeech。MeanwhileAegisthushereathomeplottedhisevildeed。ForsevenyearsafterhehadkilledAgamemnonheruledinMycene，andthepeoplewereobedientunderhim，butintheeighthyearOrestescamebackfromAthenstobehisbane，andkilledthemurdererofhisfather。ThenhecelebratedthefuneralritesofhismotherandoffalseAegisthusbyabanquettothepeopleofArgos，andonthatverydayMenelauscamehome，withasmuchtreasureashisshipscouldcarry。
Takemyadvicethen，anddonotgotravellingaboutforlongsofarfromhome，norleaveyourpropertywithsuchdangerouspeopleinyourhouse。theywilleatupeverythingyouhaveamongthem，andyouwillhavebeenonafool’serrand。Still，IshouldadviseyoubyallmeanstogoandvisitMenelaus，whohaslatelycomeoffavoyageamongsuchdistantpeoplesasnomancouldeverhopetogetbackfrom，whenthewindshadoncecarriedhimsofaroutofhisreckoning。
evenbirdscannotflythedistanceinatwelvemonth，sovastandterriblearetheseasthattheymustcross。Gotohim，therefore，bysea，andtakeyourownmenwithyou。orifyouwouldrathertravelbylandyoucanhaveachariot，youcanhavehorses，andherearemysonswhocanescortyoutoLacedaemonwhereMenelauslives。Begofhimtospeakthetruth，andhewilltellyounolies，forheisanexcellentperson。
Ashespokethesunsetanditcameondark，whereonMinervasaid，Sir，allthatyouhavesaidiswell。now，however，orderthetonguesofthevictimstobecut，andmixwinethatwemaymakedrink-offeringstoNeptune，andtheotherimmortals，andthengotobed，foritisbedtime。Peopleshouldgoawayearlyandnotkeeplatehoursatareligiousfestival。
ThusspokethedaughterofJove，andtheyobeyedhersaying。Menservantspouredwateroverthehandsoftheguests，whilepagesfilledthemixing-bowlswithwineandwater，andhandeditroundaftergivingeverymanhisdrink-offering。thentheythrewthetonguesofthevictimsintothefire，andstooduptomaketheirdrink-offerings。
Whentheyhadmadetheirofferingsandhaddrunkeachasmuchashewasminded，MinervaandTelemachuswereforgoingonboardtheirship，butNestorcaughtthemupatonceandstayedthem。
Heavenandtheimmortalgods，heexclaimed，forbidthatyoushouldleavemyhousetogoonboardofaship。DoyouthinkIamsopoorandshortofclothes，orthatIhavesofewcloaksandastobeunabletofindcomfortablebedsbothformyselfandformyguests？LetmetellyouIhavestorebothofrugsandcloaks，andshallnotpermitthesonofmyoldfriendUlyssestocampdownonthedeckofaship-
notwhileIlive-noryetwillmysonsafterme，buttheywillkeepopenhouseashavedone。
ThenMinervaanswered，Sir，youhavespokenwell，anditwillbemuchbetterthatTelemachusshoulddoasyouhavesaid。he，therefore，shallreturnwithyouandsleepatyourhouse，butImustgobacktogiveorderstomycrew，andkeepthemingoodheart。Iamtheonlyolderpersonamongthem。therestareallyoungmenofTelemachus’ownage，whohavetakenthisvoyageoutoffriendship。soImustreturntotheshipandsleepthere。Moreoverto-morrowImustgototheCauconianswhereIhavealargesumofmoneylongowingtome。AsforTelemachus，nowthatheisyourguest，sendhimtoLacedaemoninachariot，andletoneofyoursonsgowithhim。Bepleasedalsotoprovidehimwithyourbestandfleetesthorses。
Whenshehadthusspoken，sheflewawayintheformofaneagle，andallmarvelledastheybeheldit。Nestorwasastonished，andtookTelemachusbythehand。Myfriend，saidhe，Iseethatyouaregoingtobeagreatherosomeday，sincethegodswaituponyouthuswhileyouarestillsoyoung。ThiscanhavebeennoneotherofthosewhodwellinheaventhanJove’sredoubtabledaughter，theTrito-born，whoshowedsuchfavourtowardsyourbravefatheramongtheArgives。Holyqueen，hecontinued，vouchsafetosenddownthygraceuponmyself，mygoodwife，andmychildren。Inreturn，Iwillofferyouinsacrificeabroad-browedheiferofayearold，unbroken，andneveryetbroughtbymanundertheyoke。Iwillgildherhorns，andwillofferheruptoyouinsacrifice。
Thusdidhepray，andMinervaheardhisprayer。Hethenledthewaytohisownhouse，followedbyhissonsandsons-in-law。Whentheyhadgotthereandhadtakentheirplacesonthebenchesandseats，hemixedthemabowlofsweetwinethatwaselevenyearsoldwhenthehousekeepertookthelidoffthejarthatheldit。Ashemixedthewine，heprayedmuchandmadedrink-offeringstoMinerva，daughterofAegis-bearingJove。Then，whentheyhadmadetheirdrink-offeringsandhaddrunkeachasmuchashewasminded，theotherswenthometobedeachinhisownabode。butNestorputTelemachustosleepintheroomthatwasoverthegatewayalongwithPisistratus，whowastheonlyunmarriedsonnowlefthim。Asforhimself，hesleptinaninnerroomofthehouse，withthequeenhiswifebyhisside。
Nowwhenthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn，appeared，Nestorlefthiscouchandtookhisseatonthebenchesofwhiteandpolishedmarblethatstoodinfrontofhishouse。HereaforetimesatNeleus，peerofgodsincounsel，buthewasnowdead，andhadgonetothehouseofHades。soNestorsatinhisseat，sceptreinhand，asguardianofthepublicweal。Hissonsastheylefttheirroomsgatheredroundhim，Echephron，Stratius，Perseus，Aretus，andThrasymedes。thesixthsonwasPisistratus，andwhenTelemachusjoinedthemtheymadehimsitwiththem。Nestorthenaddressedthem。
Mysons，saidhe，makehastetodoasIshallbidyou。IwishfirstandforemosttopropitiatethegreatgoddessMinerva，whomanifestedherselfvisiblytomeduringyesterday’sfestivities。Go，then，oneorotherofyoutotheplain，tellthestockmantolookmeoutaheifer，andcomeonherewithitatonce。AnothermustgotoTelemachus’sship，andinviteallthecrew，leavingtwomenonlyinchargeofthevessel。SomeoneelsewillrunandfetchLaerceusthegoldsmithtogildthehornsoftheheifer。Therest，stayallofyouwhereyouare。tellthemaidsinthehousetoprepareanexcellentdinner，andtofetchseats，andlogsofwoodforaburntoffering。
Tellthemalso-tobringmesomeclearspringwater。
Onthistheyhurriedoffontheirseveralerrands。Theheiferwasbroughtinfromtheplain，andTelemachus’screwcamefromtheship。
thegoldsmithbroughttheanvil，hammer，andtongs，withwhichheworkedhisgold，andMinervaherselfcametothesacrifice。Nestorgaveoutthegold，andthesmithgildedthehornsoftheheiferthatthegoddessmighthavepleasureintheirbeauty。ThenStratiusandEchephronbroughtherinbythehorns。Aretusfetchedwaterfromthehouseinaewerthathadaflowerpatternonit，andinhisotherhandheheldabasketofbarleymeal。sturdyThrasymedesstoodbywithasharpaxe，readytostriketheheifer，whilePerseusheldabucket。
ThenNestorbeganwithwashinghishandsandsprinklingthebarleymeal，andheofferedmanyaprayertoMinervaashethrewalockfromtheheifer’sheaduponthefire。
WhentheyhaddoneprayingandsprinklingthebarleymealThrasymedesdealthisblow，andbroughttheheiferdownwithastrokethatcutthroughthetendonsatthebaseofherneck，whereonthedaughtersanddaughters-in-lawofNestor，andhisvenerablewifeEurydiceshewaseldestdaughtertoClymenusscreamedwithdelight。Thentheyliftedtheheifer’sheadfromofftheground，andPisistratuscutherthroat。Whenshehaddonebleedingandwasquitedead，theycutherup。Theycutoutthethighbonesallinduecourse，wrappedthemroundintwolayersoffat，andsetsomepiecesofrawmeatonthetopofthem。thenNestorlaidthemuponthewoodfireandpouredwineoverthem，whiletheyoungmenstoodnearhimwithfive-prongedspitsintheirhands。Whenthethighswereburnedandtheyhadtastedtheinwardmeats，theycuttherestofthemeatupsmall，putthepiecesonthespitsandtoastedthemoverthefire。
MeanwhilelovelyPolycaste，Nestor’syoungestdaughter，washedTelemachus。Whenshehadwashedhimandanointedhimwithoil，shebroughthimafairmantleandshirt，andhelookedlikeagodashecamefromthebathandtookhisseatbythesideofNestor。Whentheoutermeatsweredonetheydrewthemoffthespitsandsatdowntodinnerwheretheywerewaiteduponbysomeworthyhenchmen，whokeptpouringthemouttheirwineincupsofgold。AssoonastheyhadhadhadenoughtoeatanddrinkNestorsaid，Sons，putTelemachus’shorsestothechariotthathemaystartatonce。
Thusdidhespeak，andtheydidevenashehadsaid，andyokedthefleethorsestothechariot。Thehousekeeperpackedthemupaprovisionofbread，wine，andsweetmeatsfitforthesonsofprinces。ThenTelemachusgotintothechariot，whilePisistratusgatheredupthereinsandtookhisseatbesidehim。Helashedthehorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothinglothintotheopencountry，leavingthehighcitadelofPylosbehindthem。Allthatdaydidtheytravel，swayingtheyokeupontheirneckstillthesunwentdownanddarknesswasoveralltheland。ThentheyreachedPheraewhereDiocleslived，whowassontoOrtilochusandgrandsontoAlpheus。HeretheypassedthenightandDioclesentertainedthemhospitably。Whenthechildofmorning，rosy-fingeredDawn。appeared，theyagainyokedtheirhorsesanddroveoutthroughthegatewayundertheechoinggatehouse。Pisistratuslashedthehorsesonandtheyflewforwardnothingloth。presentlytheycametothecornlandsOftheopencountry，andinthecourseoftimecompletedtheirjourney，sowelldidtheirsteedstakethem。
Nowwhenthesunhadsetanddarknesswasovertheland。
BOOKIV。
THEYreachedthelowlyingcityofLacedaemonthemwheretheydrovestraighttotheofabodeMenelaus[andfoundhiminhisownhouse，feastingwithhismanyclansmeninhonouroftheweddingofhisson，andalsoofhisdaughter，whomhewasmarryingtothesonofthatvaliantwarriorAchilles。HehadgivenhisconsentandpromisedhertohimwhilehewasstillatTroy，andnowthegodswerebringingthemarriageabout。sohewassendingherwithchariotsandhorsestothecityoftheMyrmidonsoverwhomAchilles’sonwasreigning。ForhisonlysonhehadfoundabridefromSparta，daughterofAlector。
Thisson，Megapenthes，wasborntohimofabondwoman，forheavenvouchsafedHelennomorechildrenaftershehadborneHermione，whowasfairasgoldenVenusherself。
SotheneighboursandkinsmenofMenelauswerefeastingandmakingmerryinhishouse。Therewasabardalsotosingtothemandplayhislyre，whiletwotumblerswentaboutperforminginthemidstofthemwhenthemanstruckupwithhistune。]
TelemachusandthesonofNestorstayedtheirhorsesatthegate，whereonEteoneusservanttoMenelauscameout，andassoonashesawthemranhurryingbackintothehousetotellhisMaster。Hewentcloseuptohimandsaid，Menelaus，therearesomestrangerscomehere，twomen，wholooklikesonsofJove。Whatarewetodo？Shallwetaketheirhorsesout，ortellthemtofindfriendselsewhereastheybestcan？
Menelauswasveryangryandsaid，Eteoneus，sonofBoethous，youneverusedtobeafool，butnowyoutalklikeasimpleton。Taketheirhorsesout，ofcourse，andshowthestrangersinthattheymayhavesupper。youandIhavestayedoftenenoughatotherpeople’shousesbeforewegotbackhere，whereheavengrantthatwemayrestinpeacehenceforward。
SoEteoneusbustledbackandbadeotherservantscomewithhim。Theytooktheirsweatinghandsfromundertheyoke，madethemfasttothemangers，andgavethemafeedofoatsandbarleymixed。Thentheyleanedthechariotagainsttheendwallofthecourtyard，andledthewayintothehouse。TelemachusandPisistratuswereastonishedwhentheysawit，foritssplendourwasasthatofthesunandmoon。
then，whentheyhadadmiredeverythingtotheirheart’scontent，theywentintothebathroomandwashedthemselves。
Whentheservantshadwashedthemandanointedthemwithoil，theybroughtthemwoollencloaksandshirts，andthetwotooktheirseatsbythesideofMenelaus。Amaidservantbroughtthemwaterinabeautifulgoldenewer，andpoureditintoasilverbasinforthemtowashtheirhands。andshedrewacleantablebesidethem。Anupperservantbroughtthembread，andofferedthemmanygoodthingsofwhattherewasinthehouse，whilethecarverfetchedthemplatesofallmannerofmeatsandsetcupsofgoldbytheirside。
Menelausthengreetedthemsaying，Fallto，andwelcome。whenyouhavedonesupperIshallaskwhoyouare，forthelineageofsuchmenasyoucannothavebeenlost。Youmustbedescendedfromalineofsceptre-bearingkings，forpoorpeopledonothavesuchsonsasyouare。
Onthishehandedthemapieceoffatroastloin，whichhadbeensetnearhimasbeingaprimepart，andtheylaidtheirhandsonthegoodthingsthatwerebeforethem。assoonastheyhadhadenoughtoeatanddrink，TelemachussaidtothesonofNestor，withhisheadsoclosethatnoonemighthear，Look，Pisistratus，manaftermyownheart，seethegleamofbronzeandgold-ofamber，ivory，andsilver。EverythingissosplendidthatitislikeseeingthepalaceofOlympianJove。Iamlostinadmiration。
Menelausoverheardhimandsaid，Noone，mysons，canholdhisownwithJove，forhishouseandeverythingabouthimisimmortal。butamongmortalmen-well，theremaybeanotherwhohasasmuchwealthasIhave，ortheremaynot。butatalleventsIhavetravelledmuchandhaveundergonemuchhardship，foritwasnearlyeightyearsbeforeIcouldgethomewithmyfleet。IwenttoCyprus，PhoeniciaandtheEgyptians。IwentalsototheEthiopians，theSidonians，andtheErembians，andtoLibyawherethelambshavehornsassoonastheyareborn，andthesheeplambdownthreetimesayear。Everyoneinthatcountry，whethermasterorman，hasplentyofcheese，meat，andgoodmilk，fortheewesyieldalltheyearround。ButwhileIwastravellingandgettinggreatrichesamongthesepeople，mybrotherwassecretlyandshockinglymurderedthroughtheperfidyofhiswickedwife，sothatIhavenopleasureinbeinglordofallthiswealth。