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Often appears with: justice as a virtue · custom and the manners of a people · religious persecution and toleration · the position of women · honor, shame, and reputation · fate, destiny, and necessity · the passions and the emotions · crime and punishment · contracts, oaths, and obligation · rank, class, and social order · counsel and advisers to rulers · education and the training of the young
Usually: narrative (758) · detachment (583) · indignation (261) · argument (231) · temptation (219) · curiosity (214) · censure (206) · injustice endured (185) · the test or trial (175) · betrayal (145)
“Rarely indeed is it to-day that twain are found, in whom her most holy fruits are manifest; for which is most shamefully answerable the covetousness of mankind, which, regarding only private interest, has banished friendship beyond earth's farthest bourne, there to abide in perpetual exile.” Giovanni Boccaccio, The Decameron, Volume II · insight
“Upon receiving this certificate, and a five-dollar bill from Mr. Ruggles, I shouldered one part of our baggage, and Anna took up the other, and we set out forthwith to take passage on board of the steamboat John W. Richmond for Newport, on our way to New Bedford.” Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an Amer · observation
“Love is a debt in arrear; time's parted service avails not; Rather is only the more sorrow, a heavier ill.” Gaius Valerius Catullus (translated by Robinson Ellis), The Poems and Fragments of Catullus · insight
“Forsake me not thus, Adam! witness Heaven What love sincere, and reverence in my heart I bear thee, and unweeting have offended, Unhappily deceived! Thy suppliant I beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not, Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, Thy counsel, in this uttermost distress, My only strength and stay.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · vivid
“Whatever hypocrites austerely talk / Of purity, and place, and innocence, / Defaming as impure what God declares / Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · insight
“Judge not what is best By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet; Created, as thou art, to nobler end Holy and pure, conformity divine.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · precept
“Thus I corrected that great erratum as well as I could.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · insight
“Necessity, not geometrical, but another sort of necessity which lovers know, and which is far more convincing and constraining to the mass of mankind.” Plato, The Republic · observation
“Once initiated into the new life of freedom, and assured by Mr. Johnson that New Bedford was a safe place, the comparatively unimportant matter, as to what should be my name, came up for considertion(sic).” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · insight
“This is no sudden development, nor the fruit of Emancipation. It is the plain heritage from slavery.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“Like most of the Africans, Severus was passionately addicted to the vain studies of magic and divination, deeply versed in the interpretation of dreams and omens, and perfectly acquainted with the science of judicial astrology;” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“He who sows the ground with care and diligence acquires a greater stock of religious merit than he could gain by the repetition of ten thousand prayers.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · precept
The passage legislates war responses, says wine and gambling contain both sin and some advantage, gives rules for alms and fair dealing with orphans, forbids marriage with idolaters, regulates relations during menstruation, oaths, divorce waiting periods, and divorce procedures.
War is prescribed to you: but from this ye are averse. Yet haply ye are averse from a thing, though it be good for you, and haply ye love a thing though it be bad for you: And God knoweth; but ye, ye know not. They will ask thee concerning war in the Sacred Month. SAY: To war therein is bad, but to turn aside from the cause of God, and to have no faith in Him, and in the Sacred Temple, and to drive out its people, …
It continues divorce law: women’s obligations and men’s authority, rules for triple divorce and remarriage restrictions, limits on retaining wives unjustly, prohibits treating God’s signs as jest, and details breastfeeding, spousal waiting after death, and marriage proposals during iddah.
And it is for the women to act as they (the husbands) act by them, in all fairness; but the men are a step above them. God is Mighty, Wise. Ye may divorce your wives twice: Keep them honourably, or put them away with kindness. But it is not allowed you to appropriate to yourselves aught of what ye have given to them, unless both fear that they cannot keep within the bounds90 set up by God. And if ye fear that they c…
The passage continues Sura XXIV with rules on privacy, modesty for men and women, marriage and manumission of slaves, and the famous “Light of God” parable alongside warnings about unbelief.
Their faith2 have they used as a cloak, and they turn aside others from the way of God! Evil are all their doings. This, for that they believed, then became unbelievers!Therefore hath a seal been set upon their hearts, and they understand not. When thou seest them, their persons make thee marvel; and if they speak, thou listenest with pleasure to their discourse. Like timbers are they leaning against a wall!3 They …
The author again repeats the book’s framing about Muhammad’s motivations and alleged self-deception, then provides Qur’anic commands for dealing with enemies, refugees, marriage rules, oaths, pledges for women, and prohibitions on amity.
Neither your kindred nor your children shall at all avail you on the day of the resurrection. A severance between you will it make! and your actions doth God behold. A good example had ye in Abraham,3 and in those who followed him, when they said to their people, "Verily, we are clear of you, and of what ye worship beside God: we renounce you: and between us and hath hatred and enmity sprung up for ever, until ye be…
Pepys wears a new silk suit for the first time, takes his wife to a wedding at Goring House with great state and company, and helps arrange that the King signs their bills.
Episcopalian and Presbyterian men. 23rd. By water to Doctors' Commons to Dr. Walker, [One of the Judges of the Admiralty.] to give him my Lord's papers to view over, concerning his being empowered to be Vice-Admiral under the Duke of York. Thence by water to White Hall, to the Parliament House, where I spoke with Colonel Birch, [Colonel John Birch represented Leominster at that time, and afterwards Penryn. He wa…
Pepys follows preparations for transporting the Queen, includes gossip about the Duke of York and the Lord Chancellor’s daughter, buys scientific/reading aids, visits episcopal consecrations, and attends church services in royal closets.
set up for a traytor, and Harrison's set up on the other side of Westminster Hall. Here I could see them plainly, as also a very fair prospect about London. 22nd. All preparing for my Lord's going to sea to fetch the Queen to-morrow. At night my Lord come home, with whom I staid long, and talked of many things. He told me there hath been a meeting before the King and my Lord Chancellor, of some Episcopalian and P…
Pepys begins dressing with coat and sword like other gentlemen, attends drums and dinners, hears of duels and court disputes, visits slaving stories from Algiers, watches theatre performances, and discusses preparations and rumors for the King’s marriage and Lent.
Alban's, and the Queen, and Ambassador Montagu, did way- lay them at their lodgings till the difference was made up, to my Lord's honour, who hath got great reputation thereby. 8th. Captn. Cuttle, and Curtis, and Mootham, and I, went to the Fleece Taverne to drink; and there we spent till four o'clock, telling stories of Algiers, and the manner of life of slaves there. And truly Captn. Mootham and Mr. Dawes (who h…
On his 28th birthday Pepys attends “The Changeling,” reflects on theatre pride and his own contentment, tries to keep Lent though he eats meat, and ends the month wondering who the King will marry and what the approaching fleet means.
to Sir W. Batten's, and there sat a while; he having yesterday sent my wife half-a-dozen pair of gloves, and a pair of silk stockings and garters, for her Valentines. 23rd. This my birthday, 28 years. Mr. Hartlett told me how my Lord Chancellor had lately got the Duke of York and Duchesse, and her woman, my Lord Ossory, [Thomas, Earl of Ossory, son of the Duke of Ormond. Ob. 1680, aged 46.] and a Doctor, to make…
Pepys details christening at the Wardrobe (Katherine, without the cross sign), theatre attendance near the King, Dr. Williams’s cat-killing dog, and messages about Lord Sandwich’s condition at Argier.
sea, which I believe Mr. Coventry and the Duke do think will make them more absolute; but I hope, for all this, they will not be able to do it. 3rd. Dined at home, and then with my wife to the Wardrobe, where my Lady's child was christened, (my Lord Crewe and his Lady, and my Lady Montagu, my Lord's mother-in-law, were the witnesses), and named Katherine (the Queen elect's name); but to my and all our trouble, the …
Pepys helps arrange marriage negotiations involving Lord Sandwich and the Carterets, secures planned funding for Tangier from the Lord Treasurer, learns Coventry will become a Privy Counsellor, and notes Lawson’s death.
sense of my kindness to him herein. Sir William Pen told me this day that Mr. Coventry is to be sworn a Privy Counsellor, at which my soul is glad. 25th. To White Hall, where, after I again visited G. Carteret, and received his (and now his Lady's) full content in my proposal, my Lord Sandwich did direct me to return to Sir G. Carteret, and give him thanks for his kind acceptation of this offer, and that he would t…
During July 9-16, Pepys describes his wine cellar, discusses parish burial patterns amid plague, notes a solemn fast-day and high weekly deaths, manages a wedding shopping visit to Dagenham, and coaches the shy Philip Carteret’s courtship.
13th. Above 700 died of the plague this week. 14th. I by water to Sir G. Carteret's, and there find my Lady Sandwich buying things for my Lady Jem's wedding: and my Lady Jem is beyond expectation come to Dagenham's, [Dagenhams near Romford, now belonging to Sir Thomas Neave, Bart. This estate was devised by Mrs. Anne Rider, only surviving child of Sir Henry Wright, to her relative and friend Edward Carteret, Esq.…
Pepys describes plague tolling bells and then, on 31st, delays waiting for transport to a wedding near Deptford, later reports plague deaths and proceeds with the ceremony and prayers.
30th. It was a sad noise to hear our bell to toll and ring so often to-day, either for death or burials: I think five or six times. 31st. Up; and very betimes by six o'clock at Deptford, and there find Sir G. Carteret, and my Lady ready to go: I being in my new coloured silk suit, and coat trimmed with gold buttons and gold broad lace round my hands, very rich and fine. By water to the Ferry, where, when we come,…
On a Sunday Pepys avoids possible plague by not going by water, learns his father-in-law is ill, then gets joyous news from Mr. Coventry about Lord Sandwich taking Dutch prizes near the Well-banke.
all the Dutch fleet, men-of-war and merchant East India ships, are got every one in from Bergen the 3rd of this month, Sunday last; which will make us all ridiculous. 10th (Lord's day). Walked home; being forced thereto by one of my watermen falling sick yesterday, and it was God's great mercy I did not go by water with them yesterday, for he fell sick on Saturday night, and it is to be feared of the plague. So I …
Pepys records displeasure at a foolish green riband, visits Deptford to see John Evelyn’s art and garden projects, then discusses contentious naval matters around Lord Sandwich and accusations involving Sir W. Pen.
one a green riband tied in our hats very foolishly; and methinks mighty disgracefully for my Lord to have his folly so open to all the world with this woman. 5th. By water to Deptford, and there made a visit to Mr. Evelyn, who, among other things, showed me most excellent painting in little; in distemper, Indian incke, water colours: graveing; and, above all, the whole secret of mezzo-tinto, and the manner of it, …
Pepys stands as godfather at the christening of a boy named Samuel, paying close attention to Catholic Capuchin ceremonies via a proxy arrangement, while also noting progress on buying off chimney-money.
not pinked, but plain black; and they say the King says the pinking upon whites makes them look too much like magpyes, and therefore hath bespoke one of plain velvet. 18th. To Lovett's house, where I stood godfather. But it was pretty that, being a Protestant, a man stood by and was my proxy to answer for me. A priest christened it, and the boy's name is Samuel. The ceremonies many, and some foolish. The priest…
Pepys worries about appointing Secretary Morris’s son as embassy secretary, notes Valentine gifts for his wife and himself, and records a private marriage before Lent, with reflections on fashion and music.
up. But that which troubles me most is, that we have chosen a son of Secretary Morris, a boy never used to any business, to go Secretary to the Embassy. 14th. This morning come up to my wife's bedside, I being up dressing myself, little Will Mercer to be her Valentine; and brought her name writ upon blue paper in gold letters, done by himself, very pretty; and we were both well pleased with it. But I am also this …
Pepys notes concerns over the Duke of York’s sick sons, repeats that everyone wants them to live for the State’s sake, and then travels with Sir George Carteret amid marriage-brokering news.
great, and like a great man and grandfather. I find every body mightily concerned for these children, as a matter wherein the State is much concerned that they should live. 16th. I away with Sir G. Carteret to London, talking all the way; and he do tell me that the business of my Lord Hinchingbroke his marriage with my Lord Burlington's daughter, is concluded on by all friends; and that my Lady is now told of it, a…
On the 29th/continuation, Pepys reports sermon and public anxieties: Dr. Creighton condemning court adultery, neglect of ammunition, and a recent duel in Covent Garden, which he presents as a symbol of national folly.
Thus they are dismissed again to their general great distaste, I believe the greatest that ever Parliament was, to see themselves so fooled, and the nation in certain condition of ruin, while the King, they see, is only governed by his lust, and women, and rogues about him. The Speaker, they found, was kept from coming in the morning to the House on purpose till after the King was come to the House of Lords, for fear…
Pepys records the joyful birth of the Duchess of York’s son and the court’s attendant politics, including fears about Parliament, Monmouth’s promotion, and suggestions the Queen could be removed, then he attends multiple plays.
Mad Couple," [Probably "A Mad Couple well Matched" a comedy by Richard Brome, printed in 1653.] my wife having been at the same play with Jane in the 18d. seat. 21st. The King, Duke of York, and the men of the Court have been these four or five days a-hunting at Bagshot. 22nd. At noon comes Mr. Sheres, whom I find a good, ingenious man, but do talk a little too much of his travels. He left my Lord Sandwich well,…
Pepys and Sir W. Coventry review a list of fleet commanders killed in the war, talk with Coventry about Rupert and secretaries, and describes a Bill requiring more frequent Parliaments while he also visits Kate Joyce.
have reason every hour to expect that they will vote the like of our paying men off by ticket; and what the consequence of that will be, I know not. 18th. Sir W. Coventry and I did look over the list of commanders, and found that we could presently recollect thirty- seven commanders that have been killed in actuall service this war. He tells me that Sir Fr. Hollis is the main man that hath prosecuted him hitherto …
On 7th Pepys attends “The English Monsieur,” learns gossip about theatre succession and Castlemaine’s affair with Hart, then on 8th buys a recorder to learn music.
stepping with the Duke of York into St. James's Park, it rained; and I was forced to lend the Duke of York my cloak, which he wore through the Park. 7th. To the King's playhouse, and there saw "The English Monsieur" [A Comedy by James Howard.] (sitting for privacy sake in an upper box): the play hath much mirth in it as to that particular humour. After the play done I down to Knipp, and did stay her undressing h…
The editor reports Pepys’s brief college misconduct for drunkenness in October 1653, then narrates his classical education, graduation in 1653, his marriage to Elizabeth St. Michel in December 1655, and her family’s Huguenot background.
in the following month he was elected to one of Mr. Spendluffe's scholarships, and two years later (October 14th, 1653) he was preferred to one on Dr. John Smith's foundation. Little or nothing is known of Pepys's career at college, but soon after obtaining the Smith scholarship he got into trouble, and, with a companion, was admonished for being drunk. [October 21st, 1653. "Memorandum: that Peapys and Hind were …
After narrating Hipparchus’ insult and the later tightening of Hippias’ tyranny, Thucydides recounts Archedice’s marriage for Persian influence, Hippias’ eventual exile, and how the Hermae investigation triggers arrests and executions in Athens.
slew him. Aristogiton escaped the guards at the moment, through the crowd running up, but was afterwards taken and dispatched in no merciful way: Harmodius was killed on the spot. When the news was brought to Hippias in the Ceramicus, he at once proceeded not to the scene of action, but to the armed men in the procession, before they, being some distance away, knew anything of the matter, and composing his features …
Telemachus and Pisistratus arrive in Lacedaemon, are welcomed into Menelaus’s palace for the wedding of his daughter to Achilles’ son, and receive prompt hospitality as servants prepare their horses and supper.
THE VISIT TO KING MENELAUS, WHO TELLS HIS STORY—MEANWHILE THE SUITORS IN ITHACA PLOT AGAINST TELEMACHUS. they reached the low lying city of Lacedaemon, where they drove straight to the abode of Menelaus36 [and found him in his own house, feasting with his many clansmen in honour of the wedding of his son, and also of his daughter, whom he was marrying to the son of that valiant warrior Achilles. He had given his con…
Menelaus tells Telemachus that marrying Helen makes him a son-in-law of Zeus, then they exchange gifts of horses and a silver-gold mixing bowl while Penelope’s household continues hosting guests.
a West wind that sings softly from the sea, and gives fresh life to all men. This will happen to you because you have married Helen, and are Jove’s son-in-law.’ “As he spoke he dived under the waves, whereon I turned back to the ships with my companions, and my heart was clouded with care as I went along. When we reached the ships we got supper ready, for night was falling, and camped down upon the beach. When the c…
After Telemachus returns from Pylos and sends word to Penelope, the suitors discover the ship in Ithaca’s harbor and hold councils to decide how to stop Telemachus and divide or replace his household.
not in favour of going round and trying the men. We can attend to that later on, if you really have some sign from Jove that he will support you.” Thus did they converse, and meanwhile the ship which had brought Telemachus and his crew from Pylos had reached the town of Ithaca. When they had come inside the harbour they drew the ship on to the land; their servants came and took their armour from them, and they left …
Athena urges Penelope to appear to increase her desirability, Penelope questions Telemachus about his failure to protect the stranger, and she explains her grief and the suitors’ custom-violating gift-greed; the suitors then send lavish presents for her.
golden goblet of wine. “Good luck to you,” he said, “father stranger, you are very badly off at present, but I hope you will have better times by and by.” To this Ulysses answered, “Amphinomus, you seem to be a man of good understanding, as indeed you may well be, seeing whose son you are. I have heard your father well spoken of; he is Nisus of Dulichium, a man both brave and wealthy. They tell me you are his son, a…
After Minerva puts Penelope into a sweet sleep and restores her beauty, Penelope comes down veiled among the suitors, who lust for her, while she rebukes Telemachus and Telemachus curses the wooers; Eurymachus praises her and offers flattering speeches.
them. They must be with me when I am in the cloister; I am not going among the men alone; it would not be proper for me to do so.” On this the old woman150 went out of the room to bid the maids go to their mistress. In the meantime Minerva bethought her of another matter, and sent Penelope off into a sweet slumber; so she lay down on her couch and her limbs became heavy with sleep. Then the goddess shed grace and be…
Penelope recounts her promised remarriage under pressure and criticizes suitors for consuming her household’s property without proper courting gifts, while Antinous authorizes her to accept presents and keeps them waiting until she marries; the suitors continue dancing and lighting braziers.
has had such a thrashing that he cannot stand on his feet nor get back to his home, wherever that may be, for he has no strength left in him.” Thus did they converse. Eurymachus then came up and said, “Queen Penelope, daughter of Icarius, if all the Achaeans in Iasian Argos could see you at this moment, you would have still more suitors in your house by tomorrow morning, for you are the most admirable woman in the w…
Penelope explains her loss and pressure to remarry, describes her three-year stratagem of weaving and unweaving a funeral pall for Laertes, and asks the stranger for his origin.
thus grieving continually. I shall have one of the servants or even yourself complaining of me, and saying that my eyes swim with tears because I am heavy with wine.” Then Penelope answered, “Stranger, heaven robbed me of all beauty, whether of face or figure, when the Argives set sail for Troy and my dear husband with them. If he were to return and look after my affairs I should be both more respected and should sh…
Euryclea washes Ulysses’ leg, recognizes his boar-hunting scar and recalls his name given by Autolycus, before the recognition can fully resolve the scene’s truth.
she, “Euryclea, and wash your master’s age-mate; I suppose Ulysses’ hands and feet are very much the same now as his are, for trouble ages all of us dreadfully fast.” On these words the old woman covered her face with her hands; she began to weep and made lamentation saying, “My dear child, I cannot think whatever I am to do with you. I am certain no one was ever more god-fearing than yourself, and yet Jove hates yo…
Penelope questions the disguised Ulysses about dreams, explains her sleepless grief and her dilemma between staying with Telemachus or marrying a suitor, and interprets her eagle dream as omen of the suitors’ downfall.
anointed him with oil, Ulysses drew his seat nearer to the fire to warm himself, and hid the scar under his rags. Then Penelope began talking to him and said: “Stranger, I should like to speak with you briefly about another matter. It is indeed nearly bed time—for those, at least, who can sleep in spite of sorrow. As for myself, heaven has given me a life of such unmeasurable woe, that even by day when I am attendin…
Penelope publicly challenges the suitors: anyone who strings Ulysses’s bow and shoots through twelve axes may marry her, while Antinous and Telemachus oversee the orderly setup and trials.
stood by one of the bearing-posts supporting the roof of the cloister, holding a veil before her face, and with a maid on either side of her. Then she said: “Listen to me you suitors, who persist in abusing the hospitality of this house because its owner has been long absent, and without other pretext than that you want to marry me; this, then, being the prize that you are contending for, I will bring out the mighty…
Telemachus tries the bow but cannot string it, then Leiodes fails and urges Penelope to marry a stronger man; Antinous orders warming and greasing the bow to continue testing the suitors.
He was trying for the fourth time, and would have strung it had not Ulysses made a sign to check him in spite of all his eagerness. So he said: “Alas! I shall either be always feeble and of no prowess, or I am too young, and have not yet reached my full strength so as to be able to hold my own if any one attacks me. You others, therefore, who are stronger than I, make trial of the bow and get this contest settled.” …
Telemachus claims authority over the bow, Penelope retreats to her room to mourn and weave, and Ulysses prepares by examining the bow for damage, while suitors doubt his strength.
his wife? Even the man himself can have no such idea in his mind: none of you need let that disturb his feasting; it would be out of all reason.” “Queen Penelope,” answered Eurymachus, “we do not suppose that this man will take you away with him; it is impossible; but we are afraid lest some of the baser sort, men or women among the Achaeans, should go gossiping about and say, ‘These suitors are a feeble folk; they …
Euryclea tells Penelope that Ulysses has returned and killed the suitors; Penelope doubts the claim, but is convinced when Ulysses reveals the bed’s hidden construction and unique proof.
to the other two, “I shall not let these women die a clean death, for they were insolent to me and my mother, and used to sleep with the suitors.” So saying he made a ship’s cable fast to one of the bearing-posts that supported the roof of the domed room, and secured it all around the building, at a good height, lest any of the women’s feet should touch the ground; and as thrushes or doves beat against a net that ha…
Penelope and Ulysses reconcile by the bed-test, then Ulysses explains Teiresias’s prophecy about his final journey and peaceful death, while Minerva delays dawn and the household prepares to sleep.
PENELOPE EVENTUALLY RECOGNISES HER HUSBAND—EARLY IN THE MORNING ULYSSES, TELEMACHUS, EUMAEUS, AND PHILOETIUS LEAVE THE TOWN. Euryclea now went upstairs laughing to tell her mistress that her dear husband had come home. Her aged knees became young again and her feet were nimble for joy as she went up to her mistress and bent over her head to speak to her. “Wake up Penelope, my dear child,” she exclaimed, “and see wit…
Agamemnon recognizes Amphimedon and asks how the Ithacan suitors died, and Amphimedon explains that Penelope secretly delayed their wedding by weaving a burial shroud for Laertes for years before Odysseus’ return.
join us with his ships against Troy? It was a whole month ere we could resume our voyage, for we had hard work to persuade Ulysses to come with us.” And the ghost of Amphimedon answered, “Agamemnon, son of Atreus, king of men, I remember everything that you have said, and will tell you fully and accurately about the way in which our end was brought about. Ulysses had been long gone, and we were courting his wife, wh…
Telemachus describes how once the house was rich under Odysseus but now the wooers court and waste it, while Penelope refuses no hated marriage; Athene rebukes him and urges plans and travel, including consulting Nestor and Menelaus.
they seem to me to revel wantonly through the house: and well might any man be wroth to see so many deeds of shame, whatso wise man came among them.” Then wise Telemachus answered her, and said: “Sir, forasmuch as thou questionest me of these things and inquirest thereof, our house was once like to have been rich and honourable, while yet that man was among his people. But now the gods willed it otherwise, in evil p…
Antinous blames Penelope for the delay, claiming she spent three years weaving and unweaving a shroud, and argues Telemachus should compel her remarriage while warning that the suitors will not leave until she marries.
pity fell on all the people. Then all the others held their peace, and none had the heart to answer Telemachus with hard words, but Antinous alone made answer, saying: “Telemachus, proud of speech and unrestrained in fury, what is this thou hast said to put us to shame, and wouldest fasten on us reproach? Behold the fault is not in the Achaean wooers, but in thine own mother, for she is the craftiest of women. For i…
Telemachus refuses to expel Penelope against her will, arguing it would bring vengeance from her father Icarius and gods; he appeals for restitution, then two eagles’ attack is interpreted as an omen of doom for the suitors.
but for thee regret for thy much livelihood. But we will neither go to our own lands, nor otherwhere, till she marry that man whom she will of the Achaeans.” Then wise Telemachus answered him, saying: “Antinous, I may in no wise thrust forth from the house, against her will, the woman that bare me, that reared me: while as for my father he is abroad on the earth, whether he be alive or dead. Moreover it is hard for …
Halitherses prophesies Odysseus’ eventual return after a twentieth year of affliction, but Eurymachus mocks him and insists Odysseus is dead; he proposes Telemachus send Penelope away while suitors continue consuming the estate.
after sore affliction, with the loss of all his company, unknown to all, in the twentieth year he should come home. And behold, all these things now have an end.” And Eurymachus, son of Polybus, answered him, saying: “Go now, old man, get thee home and prophesy to thine own children, lest haply they suffer harm hereafter: but herein am I a far better prophet than thou. Howbeit there be many birds that fly to and fro…
Telemachus recalls Odysseus’s vengeance on Aegisthus, while Nestor warns him of the wooers in Ithaca and suggests Athene’s favor could end their pressure; Athene then comments on fate and the gods’ limits.
father, guileful Aegisthus, who slew his famous sire. And thou too, my friend, for I see thee very comely and tall, be valiant, that even men unborn may praise thee.” And wise Telemachus answered him, and said: “Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, verily and indeed he avenged himself, and the Achaeans shall noise his fame abroad, that even those may hear who are yet for to be. Oh that the gods would …
Nestor explains Agamemnon’s death: Aegisthus seduced Clytemnestra in Argos, sent away the minstrel, killed Menelaus only if alive, and eventually Orestes returned from Athens to avenge his father; he also urges Telemachus to seek Menelaus instead.
he killed a man more valiant far than he? Or was Menelaus not in Argos of Achaia but wandering elsewhere among men, and that other took heart and slew Agamemnon?” Then Nestor of Gerenia, lord of chariots, answered him: “Yea now, my child, I will tell thee the whole truth. Verily thou guessest aright even of thyself how things would have fallen out, if Menelaus of the fair hair, the son of Atreus, when he came back f…
Arriving in Lacedaemon, Telemachus is taken to Menelaus’ feast for the wedding of his son and daughter, where Menelaus’s hospitality welcomes the strangers and Eteoneus and servants prepare them for banqueting.
Telemachus’ entertainment at Sparta, where Menelaus tells him what befell many of the Greeks on their return; that Odysseus was with Calypso in the isle Ogygia, as he was told by Proteus. And they came to Lacedaemon lying low among the caverned hills, and drave to the dwelling of renowned Menelaus. Him they found giving a feast in his house to many friends of his kin, a feast for the wedding of his noble son and dau…
Helen recognizes Telemachus as Odysseus’s son by likeness, recounts Odysseus’s Trojans disguise and her oath, while Menelaus and Peisistratus explain Telemachus’s mourning and explain his father’s absence.
whether he be alive or dead. Yea methinks they lament him, even that old Laertes and the constant Penelope and Telemachus, whom he left a child new-born in his house.” So spake he, and in the heart of Telemachus he stirred a yearning to lament his father; and at his father’s name he let a tear fall from his eyelids to the ground, and held up his purple mantle with both his hands before his eyes. And Menelaus marked …
At dawn Menelaus questions Telemachus, who asks for news of Odysseus and describes his home being ravaged by suitors; Menelaus vows the wooers will die, then begins recounting how he was delayed by gods in Egypt.
hero Telemachus, unto fair Lacedaemon, over the broad back of the sea? Is it a matter of the common weal or of thine own? Herein tell me the plain truth.” Then wise Telemachus answered him, and said: “Menelaus, son of Atreus, fosterling of Zeus, leader of the host, I have come if perchance thou mayest tell me some tidings of my father. My dwelling is being devoured and my fat lands are ruined, and of unfriendly men …
Calypso urges Odysseus to remain with her and delay returning home, but he answers that he longs for mortal Penelope and will endure whatever gods impose, then they spend the night together.
put forth their hands upon the good cheer set before them. But after they had taken their fill of meat and drink, Calypso, the fair goddess, spake first and said: “Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, so it is indeed thy wish to get thee home to thine own dear country even in this hour? Good fortune go with thee even so! Yet didst thou know in thine heart what a measure of suffering thou ar…
Arete prepares Odysseus’s bath and stores the Phaeacian gifts in a coffer, Odysseus ties the knot learned from Circe, then he thanks Nausicaa and eats with the chiefs while Demodocus is honored with food.
golden chalice of mine own, that he may be mindful of me all the days of his life when he poureth the drink-offering to Zeus and to the other gods.” So spake he, and Arete bade her handmaids to set a great cauldron on the fire with what speed they might. And they set the cauldron for the filling of the bath on the blazing fire, and poured water therein, and took faggots and kindled them beneath. So the fire began to…
Agamemnon’s shade blames a long-standing pattern of women’s counsel for the doom of the house of Atreus, then advises secrecy toward Penelope and secret landing at Ithaca, while Odysseus and Agamemnon weep in grief.
unfriendly men do thee hurt upon the land, whilst thou wert cutting off their oxen and fair flocks of sheep, or fighting to win a city and the women thereof?’ “So spake I, and straightway he answered, and said unto me: ‘Son of Laertes, of the seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, it was not Poseidon that smote me in my ships, and raised the dolorous blast of contrary winds, nor did unfriendly men do me hurt upon t…
Penelope and the suitors discuss marriage terms, gifts offered by leading Achaeans, and the transition from daytime feasting to evening torchlight, with Odysseus quietly directing women servants inside.
wooers were loosened, and their hearts were enchanted with love, and each one uttered a prayer that he might be her bed-fellow. But she spake to Telemachus, her dear son: “Telemachus, thy mind and thy thoughts are no longer stable as they were. While thou wast still a child, thou hadst a yet quicker and more crafty wit, but now that thou art great of growth, and art come to the measure of manhood, and a stranger loo…
Penelope explains how she delayed remarriage for three years by weaving and then unweaving a funeral robe for Laertes, until the wooers overpowered her in the fourth year.
the Achaean women in the land count it blame in me, as well might be, were he to lie without a winding sheet, a man that had gotten great possessions.’ “So spake I, and their high hearts consented thereto. So then in the daytime I would weave the mighty web, and in the night unravel the same, when I had let place the torches by me. Thus for the space of three years I hid the thing by craft and beguiled the minds of …
Penelope explains dream-lore through horn and ivory gates, then proposes a bow-and-axe contest for choosing her next husband, while Odysseus urges the contest begin because he will be back to shoot it.
himself hath showed thee how he will fulfil it. For the wooers destruction is clearly boded, for all and every one; not a man shall avoid death and the fates.” Then wise Penelope answered him: “Stranger, verily dreams are hard, and hard to be discerned; nor are all things therein fulfilled for men. Twain are the gates of shadowy dreams, the one is fashioned of horn and one of ivory. Such dreams as pass through the p…
Penelope orders the retrieval of Odysseus’ bow and stages a test for the wooers: whoever can string the bow and shoot through twelve axes will win her and leave the house with her.
went to the wars, but the bow was laid by at home in the halls as a memorial of a dear guest, and he carried it on his own land. Now when the fair lady had come even to the treasure-chamber, and had stept upon the threshold of oak, which the carpenter had on a time planed cunningly, and over it had made straight the line,—doorposts also had he fitted thereby, whereon he set shining doors,—anon she quickly loosed the…
Eurycleia wakes Penelope to announce Odysseus’s return and massacre of the wooers, but Penelope suspects divine trickery; she asks for verification, including Odysseus’s scar token known to them both.
Odysseus maketh himself known to Penelope, tells his adventures briefly, and in the morning goes to Laertes and makes himself known to him. Then the ancient woman went up into the upper chamber laughing aloud, to tell her mistress how her dear lord was within, and her knees moved fast for joy, and her feet stumbled one over the other; and she stood above the lady’s head and spake to her, saying: “Awake, Penelope, d…
Penelope struggles to speak face-to-face with Odysseus as she wonders if he truly is her husband in disguised rags, and Telemachus rebukes her while she insists on secret tokens to confirm identity.
[40] Reading σφῶι . . . . ἀμφοτέρω. Then wise Penelope answered her: “Dear nurse, boast not yet over them with laughter. Thou knowest how welcome the sight of him would be in the halls to all, and to me in chief, and to his son that we got between us. But this is no true tale, as thou declarest it, nay but it is one of the deathless gods that hath slain the proud wooers, in wrath at their bitter insolence and evil d…
Penelope questions Odysseus as a stranger and then prepares the bridal bed, but Odysseus proves his identity by describing how he built the bed from an olive tree.
he came, in form like to the immortals. Then he sat down again on the high seat, whence he had arisen, over against his wife, and spake to her, saying: “Strange lady, surely to thee above all womankind the Olympians have given a heart that cannot be softened. No other woman in the world would harden her heart to stand thus aloof from her husband, who after much travail and sore had come to her, in the twentieth year…
Penelope explains her earlier coldness as fear of deception and blames the gods, then their reunion turns to weeping, divine timing delays dawn, and they promise rest.
sure tokens that Odysseus showed her. Then she fell a weeping, and ran straight toward him and cast her hands about his neck, and kissed his head and spake, saying: “Be not angry with me, Odysseus, for thou wert ever at other times the wisest of men. It is the gods that gave us sorrow, the gods who begrudged us that we should abide together and have joy of our youth, and come to the threshold of old age. So now be n…
The ghost of Amphimedon explains how Penelope’s weaving trick delayed the wooers for years, and how Odysseus in beggar disguise used Telemachus and the bow to slaughter the suitors in Odysseus’ hall.
knew the dear son of Melaneus, renowned Amphimedon, who had been his host, having his dwelling in Ithaca. The soul of the son of Atreus spake to him first, saying: “Amphimedon, what hath befallen you, that ye have come beneath the darkness of earth, all of you picked men and of like age? it is even as though one should choose out and gather together the best warriors in a city. Did Poseidon smite you in your ships a…
In Hades, the ghost of Agamemnon praises Penelope’s faithful virtue and condemns Clytemnestra’s treachery, then Odysseus returns to Laertes’ farm where his old father’s grief and poverty are shown.
nought, even they who might wash the black-clotted blood out of our wounds, and lay out the bodies and wail the dirge, for that is the due of the dead.” Then the ghost of the son of Atreus answered him: “Ah, happy son of Laertes, Odysseus of many devices, yea, for a wife most excellent hast thou gotten, so good was the wisdom of constant Penelope, daughter of Icarius, that was duly mindful of Odysseus, her wedded lo…