l answer* d then Penelope discreet. 195

heaven, my guest, that this good word of thine
ot ! then shalt thou soon such bounty share
riendship at my hands, that at first sight
er shall meet thee shall pronounce thee blest,
s they conferred. Meantime the suitors hurl'd 200

noit and lance on the smooth area spread
Ulysses' gate, the custom' d scene
ir contentions, sports, and clamours rude,
ben the hour of supper now approach' d,
om the pastures on all sides the sheep 205

with their wonted drivers, Medon then
e of all the heralds pleased them most,
aited at the board) them thus address'd.
►ugh of play, young princes ! entering now
Duse, prepare we sedulous our feast, 210

in well-timed refreshment harm is none,
spake, whose admonition pleased. At once
ing sought the palace ; there arrived,
mat his mantle off, which on his throne
ich he spread, then brisk to slaughter fell 215

ay a victim ; sheep and goats and brawns
slew, all fatted, and a pastured ox,
ling the banquet ; nor with less dispatch
s and Eumaeus now prepared

k the town, when thus the swain began. 220

guest ! since thy fix'd purpose is to seek
ay the city as my master bade,
h I, in truth, much rather wish thee here
>er of our herds, yet through respect
jverence of his orders, whose reproof 225

i hearth was the altar on which the lares or household gods were
ped.
270 THE ODT88ET.
I dread, for masters seldom gently chide,
I would be gone. Arise, let us depart,
For day already is far-spent, and soon
The air of even-tide will chill thee more.
