Approaching the Hall

28He spoke, and left them there. They followed on
Slowly. Melanthius hastened, and was soon
At the king’s palace gate, and, entering, took
A seat right opposite Eurymachus,
Whose favorite he was. The attendants there
Brought meats, the matron of the household bread,
And both were set before them. Meantime stopped
Odysseus with the noble swineherd near
The palace, for around them in the air
Came the sweet murmurs of a lyre. Just then
Phemius, the minstrel, had begun his song,
Odysseus took the swineherd’s hand, and said: —

29“Eumaeus, this must be the noble pile
In which Odysseus dwelt, for easily
It is known among the others that are near.
Rooms over rooms are here; around its court
Are walls and battlements, and folding-doors
Shut fast the entrance; no man may contemn
Its strength. And I perceive that many guests
Banquet within; the smoke of fat goes up,
And the sweet lyre is heard; the gods have given
Its music to accompany the feast.”

30And then, Eumaeus, you did make reply:
“You speak rightly, and in other things
You are not slow of thought. Now let us think
What we shall do. First enter, if you will,
The sumptuous rooms, while I remain without;
Or, if it please you, I will enter first,
While you remain; yet delay not long,
Lest someone, seeing you, should deal a blow,
Or drive you hence. I pray you, think of this.”

31Odysseus, the great sufferer, answered thus:
“Enough; I know; your words are heard by one
Who understands them. Go before me, then,
And leave me here. I am not quite unused
To blows and stripes, and patient is my mood,
For greatly have I suffered, both at sea
And in the wars; and I submit to bear
This also. But the stomach’s eagerness
Is desperate, and is not to be withstood,
And many are the mischiefs which it brings
Upon the race of men; it fits out fleets
That cross the barren deep arrayed for war,
And carry death and woe to hostile realms.”