Page 251 - the-odyssey

rim, which is inlaid with gold, and it is the work of Vulcan.
Phaedimus king of the Sidonians made me a present of it in
the course of a visit that I paid him while I was on my return
home. I should like to give it to you.’
With these words he placed the double cup in the hands
of Telemachus, while Megapenthes brought the beautiful
mixing bowl and set it before him. Hard by stood lovely
Helen with the robe ready in her hand.
‘I too, my son,’ said she, ‘have something for you as a
keepsake from the hand of Helen; it is for your bride to wear
upon her wedding day. Till then, get your dear mother to
keep it for you; thus may you go back rejoicing to your own
country and to your home.’
So saying she gave the robe over to him and he received
it gladly. Then Pisistratus put the presents into the chariot,
and admired them all as he did so. Presently Menelaus took
Telemachus and Pisistratus into the house, and they both
of them sat down to table. A maid servant brought them
water in a beautiful golden ewer, and poured it into a silver
basin for them to wash their hands, and she drew a clean ta-
ble beside them; an upper servant brought them bread and
offered them many good things of what there was in the
house. Eteoneus carved the meat and gave them each their
portions, while Megapenthes poured out the wine. Then
they laid their hands upon the good things that were be-
fore them, but as soon as they had had enough to eat and
drink Telemachus and Pisistratus yoked the horses, and
took their places in the chariot. They drove out through the
inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer

0 The Odyssey