Page 119 - the-odyssey

among you who are the most afflicted. Indeed, were I to tell
you all that heaven has seen fit to lay upon me, you would
say that I was still worse off than they are. Nevertheless, let
me sup in spite of sorrow, for an empty stomach is a very
importunate thing, and thrusts itself on a man’s notice no
matter how dire is his distress. I am in great trouble, yet it
insists that I shall eat and drink, bids me lay aside all mem-
ory of my sorrows and dwell only on the due replenishing of
itself. As for yourselves, do as you propose, and at break of
day set about helping me to get home. I shall be content to
die if I may first once more behold my property, my bonds-
men, and all the greatness of my house.’ {63}
Thus did he speak. Every one approved his saying, and
agreed that he should have his escort inasmuch as he had
spoken reasonably. Then when they had made their drink
offerings, and had drunk each as much as he was minded
they went home to bed every man in his own abode, leav-
ing Ulysses in the cloister with Arete and Alcinous while
the servants were taking the things away after supper. Arete
was the first to speak, for she recognised the shirt, cloak,
and good clothes that Ulysses was wearing, as the work of
herself and of her maids; so she said, ‘Stranger, before we
go any further, there is a question I should like to ask you.
Who, and whence are you, and who gave you those clothes?
Did you not say you had come here from beyond the sea?’
And Ulysses answered, ‘It would be a long story Mad-
am, were I to relate in full the tale of my misfortunes, for
the hand of heaven has been laid heavy upon me; but as re-
gards your question, there is an island far away in the sea

11 The Odyssey